Matthew Lloyd has been grilled over Essendon’s coaching situation, with interim boss Dean Solomon emerging as the frontrunner for the role.
Solomon – who was serving as part of the club’s board until the end of last year – took over from Brad Scott when he was sacked last month.
Dean Solomon is in the mix for the Essendon job. AFL Photos
The premiership-winning Bombers player is yet to lead the side to a victory as they languish on the bottom of the AFL ladder, but is seen as a genuine chance to take over in a full-time capacity, along with fellow club great James Hird.
Speaking on Nine’s Footy Classified, former teammate Lloyd admitted it “does look like” Solomon is in the box seat to earn the job permanently depending on Hird’s status.
That comment got a response from journalist Sam McClure, who immediately stepped in and questioned what Solomon had done to deserve the job.
“Can I ask a dumb question on Solomon,” he said.
“What is it about him, outside of being connected to Essendon, what could it be that attracts [president] Andrew Welsh and the board to Dean Solomon?
“Based on what we know about him right now.”
Lloyd attempted to answer McClure’s probe as best as possible, but stumbled through his words trying to give an explanation.
“Well I think he [Welsh] just thinks he’s … a massive rap for him and how much the players respect him,” he replied.
McClure again peppered Lloyd about his qualifications, pointing out Solomon had only spent half a season in an assistant coaching role since leaving the board.
“He [Welsh] has known him for 20 years, so that’s his prerogative to choose along with other people within Essendon,” Lloyd said.
“I’m just answering the question, I’m not saying it’s right – that’s just how he views Dean Solomon and how people within the club view him.”