New Essendon president commissions external review as whispers swirl about coach

UPDATE: Essendon has confirmed Neil Mitchell’s tip that David Barham is the new president of the football club.

But questions remain as to whether Ben Rutten will survive long-term as coach.

Several sources contacted Neil Mitchell with unconfirmed reports on Monday both the Essendon coach and president Paul Brasher were on the way out on the back of Sunday’s 84-point drubbing at the hands of Port Adelaide.

Brasher has since been replaced by Barham, who has commissioned an external review of the club’s football department.

“To all Bomber fans, this is a line in the sand moment,” Barham said in a statement.

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Mitchell’s tip-off

(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)