David Evans Quits as Essendon Chairman, Paul Little Takes Over

Despite insistance he would not quit the job, Essendon chairman David Evans has resigned from the Australian Football League club, effective immediately. 

Evans will be replaced by deputy chairman Paul Little who was appointed the new Chairman on Monday.

Evans resigned only a few days before the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) hands down its findings after a six-month investigation into the club.

There is speculation ASADA will issue its report as early as August 5.

“I appreciate very much that this will cause some consternation amongst the Essendon family,” said the statement.

“However, I strongly believe that the best thing for the club at this stage is for a new chairperson in order to see through the next phase of this challenging and difficult time for our club.

The Bombers have been under massive pressure since ASADA and the AFL started investigating them in early February.

Only one day ago, the club issued a statement where the board expressed full support for Evans.

There had been speculation earlier this week that some members of the board were unhappy with how Evans was handling the crisis.

Evans described Essendon’s supplements crisis as a ‘tragedy’.

“This process has taken its toll on me, and on those around me, and I owe it to them to hand over now for the next phase,” he said.

Late last week Evans had insisted he would not be standing down despite the circulating speculation.

Evans, 48,  joined the Essendon board in 2006 and had been chairman since late 2009.

Evans is managing partner of an investment firm he established in 2007 and also said in the statement that he need to devote more time to his work.

‘It is important that I return, and this means I cannot give to Essendon what it needs over the coming months,’ Evans said.