Essendon Football Club is in the process of conducting a series of research initiatives to ensure the Club fully understands the views of its members and supporters.

After the most challenging and extraordinary year in the history of the Club, chairman Paul Little said Essendon members and supporters had a vital role to play.

“An important body of work is now underway to rebuild the Essendon brand,” Little said.

“As part of this process, we will be ‘listening’ to our members and supporters to help shape the future direction of our Club.” 

Members and supporters can directly communicate with the Club via email efclistens@essendonfc.com.au or tweet the Club using the hashtag #EFCListens. 

“We understand the impact our failures have had on the Club, its players, staff, sponsors, and on our supporters and members,” Little said

“It is important that our members and supporters know that we are sorry for what happened this year.”

“We must now channel our energy towards restructuring the Club and rebuilding our brand, to ensure these mistakes can never reoccur, and to build a stronger and successful Essendon Football Club for 2014 and beyond.”

“We all have an important role to play. We are listening and we want to hear from you.”

A number of important changes have already been made within the Club with plans well advanced for next season.

“From the Board level down we have reviews well advanced across all major components of the Club,” Little said

“We have already implemented substantial reforms to corporate governance structures, people management procedures and medical protocols, to ensure our 2013 on field success will be underpinned in the future by a strong and efficient administration.”

“Whilst our on field performance for season 2013 was a creditable 14 wins, it’s crucial we carry this momentum into next year.  As a Club and a playing group we must not treat 2014 as a gap year.”