Essendon Football Club Managing Director, Peter Jackson, today wished Bendigo Bombers General Manager, Matthew Allan, well in the next phase of his professional life.

""It is a pity for the Bendigo Bombers that Matthew has announced his resignation today but we wish him well,"" Mr Jackson said.

""We also want to recognise the good work that he has done, particularly is strengthening the links between the Essendon and Bendigo Bombers.

""The Essendon Bombers and the Bendigo Bombers have a strong relationship, and will continue to do so, following the extension of our alignment earlier this year for a further three years.

""I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Matthew and his wife Rebecca on the recent birth of their baby boy.""

Mr Jackson said while Matthew’s departure will be a loss to the club, it also creates an opportunity to make changes that could assist the Bendigo Bombers and attract new talent to the club’s management.

""The Bendigo Bombers are completely reviewing their organisational structure, roles and responsibilities and also developing a new strategic plan which we give it a clear path for future success,"" he said.

""We believe this is a time of great opportunity for the club.""

Mr Jackson welcomed the announcement that club Director, Peter Lodewijks, has been appointed by the board to act as General Manager to the end of the 2007 season at which point they will commence a formal process to appoint a General Manager.