Esteemed footy boss Graham Wright quits Collingwood on eve of finals series
Updated . First published at
Inactive footy boss Graham Wright will not return to Collingwood following his five-month sabbatical, as was originally intended.
In a statement released on Monday, the club said Wright had decided to explore new opportunities elsewhere once his sabbatical ends.
Wright left for an overseas holiday in March.
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Collingwood general manager Graham Wright. AFL Photos via Getty Images
According to 9News Melbourne, Wright had offered his resignation last December but it was not accepted by club president Jeff Browne.
Brown then reportedly permitted Wright and his family to travel to the US and Europe on extended leave while a new role was negotiated.
When announcing his sabbatical, Wright stated that he would return to his post ahead of the finals series.
"Through my discussions with Jeff [Browne], Ned [Kelly] and Fly [McRae], we agreed that I will stay connected to the club in a consultancy role providing advice to the CEO and wider club during my time away with a plan to return to full-time work in September," Wright said in a club statement at the time.
According to 9News' Tom Morris, Wright will touch down in Australia in a few weeks' time.
In a club statement on Monday, Wright extended thanks to those who had supported him in his role.
"Thank you to the players, staff and supporters for making my time at Collingwood an enjoyable period of my career," he said.
"I am grateful to have been able to serve the Collingwood Football Club."
On behalf of the club, Browne thanked Wright for his "service and contribution" to the club.
"Graham has spent over three decades in the elite AFL system – first as a premiership player for Collingwood and then as a much-respected and successful administrator," he said.
"We have been in constant discussions with Graham during his sabbatical and both of us have agreed that Graham be free to pursue new opportunities to further develop his already distinguished career.
The Magpies walk off the MCG after thier loss to Geelong in round 18. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"All of us at Collingwood wish Graham, his wife Tracey and children James and Ethan all the best and every success for the next chapter."
Wright has been heavily linked to a key role with expansion side the Tasmanian Devils.
Throughout the season, Collingwood has seen several leaders in the AFL program step up in Wright's absence.
"With Wright pursuing further growth opportunities, Collingwood is currently working through the best possible structure to support our AFL program moving forward," the club said.
It has been said that the changes to Collingwood's football department could be responsible for the team's slide outside competition's top eight after winning the flag last year.
