Departing West Coast coach Adam Simpson feels relieved but sad to be leaving the club he loves and doesn’t think the decision was a big shock for his players.
Eagles chief executive Don Pyke informed Simpson on Monday night the club was keen to start a fresh chapter with a new coach.
The decision comes after weeks of intense speculation about Simpson’s position, which intensified when text messages from three players expressing their desire for change were leaked to the media.
Simpson is a well-loved figure both inside and outside the club, but he also acknowledged there are likely some players who are glad to see him step down.
“I don’t know how shocked everyone is to be honest,” Simpson said.
“There’s been a fair bit of tension over the last couple of years, particularly the last few weeks.
“I’m sure everyone will be feeling different.
“There’s eight or nine premiership players, there’s guys who have just been drafted, there’s guys who probably would say, ‘Thank God’.
“I think there’s mixed emotions. We’ll move on pretty quick. This will come and go.”
Simpson doesn’t know what will come next for him, but he’s looking forward to a well-earned rest.
“I think making decisions is something I need a break from,” Simpson said.
“When you get in this position, every day you make 100 decisions – whether it’s the itinerary or who you’re going to pick. All those things.
“So just making less decisions for a little bit of time – recharge, and we’ll see what happens in the next phase of my life.
