A day of significant change at Essendon Football Club was completed at tonight’s Annual General Meeting with David Evans appointed the club’s new chairman.
Earlier in the day Essendon unveiled its new on-field leadership group with Jobe Watson named captain and Andrew Welsh vice-captain.
To hear David Evans on SEN this morning click here.
Evans, 45, follows in the footsteps of his father Ron who was chairman at Essendon from 1988 to 1992.
“I feel both privileged and excited to assume the role as club chairman,” a humbled Evans said tonight.
“This is a club with an amazing history and tradition and I have now become a custodian of the values, standards and expectations that we all share.
“I feel excited because I am surrounded by very talented people at the club that are showing real drive, enthusiasm and innovationand want to write an exciting new chapter of the club’s proud history.”
Evans replaces Ray Horsburgh who recently advised the board he would not be seeking re-election. Horsburgh will remain on the board and has two more years to serve of his current term.
“I would like to pay tribute to Ray Horsburgh who leaves a defining legacy given his great leadership and commitment to creating generational change – change that is occurring at this club as we speak,” Evans said.
“Ray has spoken and acted on succession planning right throughout his chairmanship and I feel honored he and the Board have ask me to lead them during this exciting time in the club’s history.”
Evans completes the third set of father and sons to have held the position of chairman at Essendon. Robert McCracken was chairman from 1873 to 1885. His son Alex sat as chairman between 1987 and 1903.
Watch the 2010 membership video clip by clicking here or become a member by clicking here (and receive a $20 Bomber Shop e-voucher and go into the running for a Caltex Vortex Premium Fuels voucher valued at $2,500).
Arthur Crichton was chairman from 1908 to 1919 and his son Wally followed in his footsteps from 1941 to 1959. Ron Evans was chairman of Essendon from 1988 until 1992.
In another unique twist, Ron Evans was chairman while Tim Watson was captain of the club. David Evans will take over with Jobe Watson as captain.
