The post-season implosion at Essendon has continued, with president David Barham stepping down effective immediately in the first of potentially several significant changes at the club.

Barham on Tuesday morning released a letter to Bombers supporters, confirming he’d earlier convened a board meeting where he informed members of his decision, with plans to “fully exit the board in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition”.

Barham, who steered the Bombers for three and a half years, will hand over to vice-president Andrew Welsh after a tumultuous year.

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The decision comes after he reportedly abused an elderly club champion and amid the uncertainty around captain Zach Merrett’s playing future.

Barham said he had given his all to Essendon and was confident the club was on the right track.

“My love for the Essendon Football club is second only to the love I have for my family. In every decision and every action I have taken, my guiding principle has always been what is in the best interests of the club,” Barham wrote.

Outgoing Essendon president David Barham. Picture: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“This is another. It is time for a new President. It is a voluntary role that requires someone with the time, drive and energy to take us forward.

“I have given my all over the past three and a half years and tackled every challenge with everything that I have. I took my responsibility to fight for and defend our club, our players, coaches and administrators extremely seriously.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved in transforming the club and making the hard decisions to set it up for long-term, sustained success. I have no doubt we are now on the right track, and I leave excited about the future.”

Barham said the Bombers were in good hands with Welsh taking charge, adding the former Essendon player had “developed close working relationships” with both coach Brad Scott and chief executive Craig Vozzo since taking on the role of director of football governance.

“Andrew, the Board and I have been working collaboratively to put a succession plan in place for some time, and I am delighted that Andrew is now able to take on the role, and he will take over responsibility from today. I have been thinking about this decision for a while, and feel the timing is right.

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“Since becoming President, I have repeatedly said that sustained, long-term success relies on unity, stability and alignment and this transition to Andrew Welsh ensures that is maintained.

“Andrew will be an outstanding President, and it has been a privilege to work with him. He is driven and will bring fresh energy to the role, an energy we need to continue to build and develop the club and achieve on-field success. As we all loved him as a player, Andrew’s uncompromising but compassionate approach, football knowledge and strategic thinking have been brilliant to watch and are great assets to the club.”

Barham stressed he had “enormous faith” in both Scott and Vozzo’s leadership.

“They are the future and will lead us to success. They are talented, committed professionals who have outstanding values, and it has been a pleasure to work with them. They both put the club first always,” he said.

— NCA NewsWire