Matthew Knights sacked as Essendon Bombers coach * AAP, Scott Gullan
* From: Herald Sun
* August 29, 2010 UPDATE 5:58pm: ESSENDON has confirmed it has sacked coach Matthew Knights, ending his three-year tenure at the AFL club.
Bombers chairman David Evans and chief executive Ian Robson announced the sacking this afternoon.
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Moves to oust the embattled coach began at 8am today when Evans drove to Robson's house for a urgent meeting.
The pair then met with other Essendon powerbrokers where an "in principle'' agreement to sack Knights was reached.
Evans then met with Knights and his manager Dan Richardson where he was told his three-year tenure at Windy Hill was over.
The club announced its decision during a press conference at Windy Hill.
"We're here to announce the Essendon board met this morning and have come to a decision today that Matthew will no longer be the coach," Evans said.
"We have met with Matthew today to tell him of our decision.
"As chairman, I firstly want to say that at all times, Matthew has conducted himself at our club with the utmost passion, commitment and courage."
Evans added that Knights was "bitterly disappointed" when told of the board's decision.
The Bombers chairman said the main reason for Knights' axing was the team's "lack of progress" this season.
Essendon extended Knights' contract last year and he has two years to run - Evans said the club would honour that financial commitment.
It is understood Essendon are facing a payout of up to $800,000 to Knights by sacking him now.
Robson said the club had not yet sounded anyone out about taking over as coach and would start taking applications tomorrow.
It's believed the decision to move on Knights gathered momentum last week and was virtually decided before last night's 29-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/matthew-knights-parts-ways-with-essendon-bombers/story-e6frf9io-1225911514537