Essendon Chairman Paul Little has revealed the club has developed a strategic plan over the past 12 months to further enhance the skill set of the Board.

In a message to club members, Little welcomed the nine candidates who nominated for the upcoming election.

“I look forward to working closely with our current board and our newly elected Directors to build a successful Essendon Football Club for the future,” Little said.

“Over the past 12 months, the Club has been developing a strategic plan to enhance the skill set of the Board and its Directors.

“A major part of this plan has been the establishment of a nominations committee.

“The key focus is to identify areas where additional skill sets will benefit the Board and its contribution to the club.”

 “These plans are well advanced and are critical to the long term role of the Board and the Football Club.”

Little acknowledged the tireless work of the current Board over the last twelve months.

“In a difficult environment, I believe the Essendon Board has performed exceptionally well during the past year,” Little said.

“The Board has implemented new corporate governance procedures, accountability and integrity measures, executive and football structures and a new cultural framework for the future.

“The Board has overseen record membership growth, commercial partnerships and significantly reduced the overall debt position.

“The Board also fully supports initiatives to create closer working relationships with the club and the AFL.”