One of the biggest names in football in Western Australia, West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett, has confirmed 2024 will be his last season at the club.
Key points:
- After much speculation, Trevor Nisbett says he will not seek a new contract
- He says West Coast needs to start the process of finding its next CEO
- The Eagles say Nisbett’s contribution to the club has been unmatched
Nisbett’s tenure had been the subject of intense scrutiny following back-to-back disastrous seasons for the Eagles, who last month claimed their second-ever wooden spoon.
After much speculation about his future, the club opted to stick with embattled coach Adam Simpson who has two years left on his current contract.
Nisbett, who has been West Coast’s CEO since 1999, has also found himself in the firing line, with Eagles members questioning whether he should be allowed to continue beyond the end of his deal.
After speaking with club chairman Paul Fitzpatrick, Nisbett said the time was right to begin a search for his replacement.
“I have been speaking to the Board for several months and we have agreed that the club needs to start the process of finding a new Chief Executive as I will not be seeking an extension to my current contract,” he said.
“I have also relayed the message to my staff this morning.”
In a statement, the Eagles said the search for a new chief executive would take place both inside and outside the club, with Nisbett to be involved in the transition process.
Eagles ‘forever indebted’
Nisbett, 66, joined the West Coast staff in 1989 as general manager of football, overseeing the Eagles dual premiership success under then-coach Mick Malthouse.
He took on the role of chief executive in 1999 when Brian Cook departed for Geelong.
Since then West Coast has claimed two more flags in 2006 and 2018, and grown its membership to more than 100,000.
Despite the troubles of recent seasons, club chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said Nisbett’s contribution to West Coast over 34 years could not be overstated.
“No one in the history of our club has matched the impact that Trevor has had on our club and we will forever be indebted to him,” he said.
“The strong on-field performances are an obvious barometer but he has been a visionary with so many of the off-field initiatives of our club.”
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