Ayres joins Bombers as assistant coach

[Ian]

From http://www.essendonfc.com.au/main.asp

Ayres joins Bombers as assistant coach
Wednesday, 8 February 2006
Essendon Football Club today announced the appointment of Gary Ayres as an assistant to senior coach Kevin Sheedy. Ayres brings a wealth of experience to the Bombers having been a senior coach at both Geelong and Adelaide football clubs. "We are really pleased Gary has accepted our offer and have no doubt he will add to our coaching panel," Essendon’s football operations manager Dom Cato said.


"We have obviously thought long and hard about this position and taken some time to ensure we get the right person in," Cato said. "Gary has a lot to offer on a number of fronts. Having had 10 years experience as a senior coach is very significant and we think the playing group will benefit from that alone."


Ayres coached Geelong for 116 games between 1995 and 1999. Geelong won 65 of those games and Ayres took them to the Grand Final in his first season at the helm. Ayres then crossed to Adelaide where he was senior coach from 2000 – 2004. He coached the Crows 107 times and the team won 54 of those matches.

"It’s pretty exciting to have the opportunity to work with Essendon probably because of where they are at with their list. I think there are some really good times ahead and I would love to be part of," Ayres explained at a press conference this afternoon.

While having 10 years experience in the top job, Ayres isn't concerned about the transition from senior to assistant coach.

"Kevin is obviously the best in the business; he's been in it for more than 25 years. To be able to stay in the game for that long, having known what I know (about) the pressure of being number one, I just think it's unbelievable," Ayres explained.

"The respect that I have for him is enormous, I think there are a number of things that I can learn. And I think there is only someone like a Kevin or a Leigh Matthews that I think I would consider working as an assistant coach under.

"I said from the day that I left Adelaide that I still thought that I had something to offer as far as the head coach goes. If I can get back on the bus, albeit with the Essendon footy club and someone like Kevin, I think it should only be positive."

Ayres will commence with the Club this Friday and will head to Sydney with the team for the exhibition match against Sydney the following week where he will get his first look at Essendon under match conditions.

"Whether we add further to the coaching staff is still being discussed," Cato said. "We have spoken to other people about the possibility of a part-time role but no firm decisions have been reached as to whether we will pursue that position."

[Dog_ger]

I heard this on the radio news this arvo....? 08/02/2006 What direction is Essendon going....? Someone should drug test their decision makers....?

[duncs7]

Good to see Gary Ayres hair going on strong!

[MW]

Even though you are from Elizabeth duncs7 I bet even you have not seen a mullet like Ayres?

[stan]

When i saw him on the news i almost pissed myself. That mullet was fantastic. Also the fact that Essendon have hired him is also funny

[Footy Chick]

I didnt realise they changed April Fools Day, what a joke.....

[stan]

I didnt realise they changed April Fools Day, what a joke.....

Come on FC thats not funny, we know you can do better

[Footy Chick]

I didnt realise they changed April Fools Day, what a joke.....

Come on FC thats not funny, we know you can do better

Alas Stanley so true, but IMHO Ayres and Coach in the same sentence is a joke in itself.

[stan]

Yeah thats a good point.

[smac]

I am sure most agree that he was not quite up to the senior job, but neither was Robert Shaw and he turned out to be one of the best assistants that Sheedy has had. I, for one, will be interested to see how he goes - and being an Essendon supporter I hope he goes well!

[Rik E Boy]

I don't understand this move at all. Essendon have already been dragged down from a Grand Final to the lower half of the ladder by Nutter so why do they need Ayresy?

regards,

REB

[Booney]

Robert Shaw-dragged the Cows down,goes to Essington
Gary Ayres-dragged the Cows down,goes to Essington
Peter Curran-who the.............?

[Punk Rooster]

Robert Shaw-dragged the Cows down,goes to Essington
Gary Ayres-dragged the Cows down,goes to Essington
Peter Curran-who the.............?

Effendon

[duncs7]

Even though you are from Elizabeth duncs7 I bet even you have not seen a mullet like Ayres?

Ive seen some beauties in my day, but Ayresy is takin the game to a whole other level.

[stan]

Even though you are from Elizabeth duncs7 I bet even you have not seen a mullet like Ayres?

Ive seen some beauties in my day, but Ayresy is takin the game to a whole other level.

Ayresy was always a bit behind with his hair cuts.

[Magpiespower]

Love this quote...

...there is only someone like a Kevin or a Leigh Matthews that I think I would consider working as an assistant coach under.

Who the hell is he kidding?

[tc]

a fanstastic recruit..............................................



for 15 other teams!

[Rik E Boy]

Yes, you've got to give it to Ayresey...What a Mullett though!! Billy Ray Cyrus would be proud!

regards,

REB

[duncs7]

can any1 dig up an up to date pic of his mullet. Cant find 1

[haloman]

Atleast all Adelaide's future senior coaches now know they have a job if they turn out to be crap. Shaw and Ayres both jokes. Can't wait for Crows vs Essendon. I'm sure there will be plenty of "Why didn't I think of that" in the bombers box, as Neil's boys tear them apart.