CARLTON has conceded constant speculation over Mick Malthouse's tenure is taking a toll on the club and will now make a call on the coach's future in the week of the club's round 11 bye.
Club president Mark LoGiudice had repeatedly said the Blues would make a decision on the out-of-contract Malthouse in the second half of this season.
But in a letter to club members on Monday afternoon, LoGiudice said speculation over the three-time premiership coach's future had prompted the club to revise its timeframe.
"The position of senior coach is one that we have consistently said would be reviewed in the second-half of the season. That had always been the club’s intention, however, we now believe it is in the best interests of our football club to alter our timeline," LoGiudice said.
"Our CEO, Steven Trigg, and myself met with Mick Malthouse today, and agreed that in the best interests of the club, we would make a decision on the future direction of our senior coaching position in the week of the bye, which is round 11.
"Mick supports our revised timeline and has again committed to stay the course.
"We are very mindful of the speculation surrounding the senior coaching role and the impact it is having. Out of care for all concerned we believe it is best to make a decision sooner than previously indicated and that the bye round represents an appropriate time."
Struggling Blues smashed by Cats
LoGiudice said Carlton would use the weeks leading into round 11 to prepare itself to make "an informed and rational decision" on Malthouse's tenure.
"The days of quick fixes are behind us. Our approach to this very important decision will be methodical and considered," the president said.
"This is about making the right decision the right way, in an orderly manner that is right for Carlton."
Malthouse's third year at Carlton has begun disastrously.
The Blues have won just one of their first eight games – against St Kilda in round four in Wellington – and four of their losses have been by a margin of more than 11 goals.
Carlton will start overwhelming underdogs against the Sydney Swans at the SCG this Friday night and play a home game against sixth-placed Adelaide before the bye.
"There is no question that this is a challenging time for our football club and I share in your pain and frustrations over our recent on-field performances," LoGiudice told Blues members.
I don't give up, says Malthouse
Malthouse replaced Brett Ratten after the Blues finished 2012 in 10th place following three consecutive finals appearances.
The West Coast and Collingwood premiership coach led Carlton to the finals in 2013, albeit only after Essendon was disqualified as part of its AFL-imposed penalties for governance failings during its 2012 supplements program.
Nonetheless, the Blues defeated Richmond in an elimination final that year and were brave in a 24-point semi-final loss to the Swans.
Carlton tumbled to 13th last season with just seven wins and a draw, but suffered several close losses and finished the season strongly.
Malthouse was optimistic heading into 2015 but after the Blues' 69-point round two loss to West Coast LoGiudice told News Corp the club was "rebuilding".
Malthouse broke Jock McHale's 66-year-old VFL/AFL coaching games record when he coached his 715th match in round five against Collingwood.
The former St Kilda and Richmond player coached Footscray from 1984-89, West Coast from 1990-99 and Collingwood from 2000-11.
He led the Eagles to their first two premierships, in 1992 and 1994, and guided Collingwood to the 2010 flag.
