DAVID Evans' resignation came because he is "just completely and utterly burned out", says Essendon great Tim Watson.

 

Watson also believes deputy chairman Paul Little will step into the role, possibly in the next 24 hours.

 

Evans resigned from his role as club chairman on Saturday night after his health took a turn following nearly six months of the joint ASADA-AFL investigation into the Bombers' controversial supplements program.

 

It was a startling move that came just 48 hours after he denied he was stepping down after a routine board meeting.

 

Watson said he believed "only his health" had changed in that period and influenced his decision. 

 

"From what I now know to be true, David has been struggling with his health for some time, he's exhausted, he needs to get away and have a break," Watson told Channel 7's Game Day on Sunday.

 

"I really think that's the only difference in what he had to say on Thursday night and what he had to say yesterday as part of his resignation.

 

"In terms of seriousness, it's serious enough that someone's had to stand down.

"I think he's just completely and utterly burnt out."

 

"He's been under enormous strain and stress going back over five months now.

 

"He met with the parents very quickly after this story became apparent, he said that he would suspend all his duties at his work – this was something he would work on full time, 24 hours a day if necessary, seven days a week and he's maintained that.

 

Watson also said he didn't think Evans' decision would change what happened with coach James Hird.  

Essendon interim CEO Ray Gunston was sighted entering Hird's home on Sunday morning. 

 

Little joined Essendon's board in 2011 and is chairman of the fundraising working group assembled for the club's elite Melbourne Airport facility.

 

He is the former managing director of Toll Holdings – a post he held from 1986-2011 – and remains a director of the company.

 

Watson said an announcement could be made about his appointment as early as Monday.

 

"I understand that Paul Little will become the new chairman of the Essendon football club and that may happen as soon as tomorrow," he said.

 

"I don't know so much about Paul; obviously he's been briefed, he's been part of discussions that have been taking place all the way through this."

 

Watson said the players were "disappointed" to lose the popular Evans but were understanding of the fact his health had tocome first.

 

He said his son Jobe had spoken to Evans on Saturday and would maintain his relationship with him.

 

He also conceded the situation was stressful for all involved and it "hasn't been a pleasant time for anyone."

 

The ASADA report is close to completion, and Watson said he believed the club would "still be standing" when it was all over.

 

"I guess what we do know if that at some point in time, there's going to be a discussion with the AFL once that report is handed down," he said.

 

"Then I guess there's a discussion over what if any penalties will take place.

 

"I'm thinking Paul Little and those people will be briefed and they'll understand exactly where the club stands on that matter and then it will become a negotiation.

 

"The truth will be revealed and that's what I want anda lot of other people want.

 

"This will be a stain on the club for a long, long period of time but ultimately they set out to find the truth and that's what we all want, that's what we've wanted from the start, that's what we still want today, and that's what we want to be revealed."