The St Kilda Football Club has made it crystal clear that they want to retain the services of senior coach Ross Lyon beyond 2012.

Speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Classified program last night, CEO Michael Nettlefold, restated the Club’s commitment to Ross Lyon and pointed to his outstanding record with the Saints.

“Ross is contracted to the end of 2012 and Ross Lyon is required at the football club for the foreseeable future.”

“Ross has taken us to two Grand Finals, a preliminary final in 2009, why wouldn’t we be all over Ross, trying to keep him at the football club,” said Nettlefold.

Nettlefold said the Club was currently in talks with Lyon’s management and had initially held off contract discussions in order to ensure the Coach could concentrate on the Saints finals campaign.

The St Kilda Football Club CEO was adamant that the Club could strike a deal to see Lyon remain at the Saints.

“We’re committed to having Ross in the club for a long period of time. We’re quite comfortable and confident that Ross will be with our football club for a long time.”

Ross Lyon sent a heartfelt message to St Kilda Football Club Members on Monday following the Club’s elimination final loss to the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.

“Saturday night's loss against the Sydney Swans was a disappointing end to the 2011 season,” he said.

“I was proud of the group and their efforts to make it to the finals after a slow start to the year; but we weren't able to get the result we wanted. We simply didn't make the most of our opportunities.”

Lyon explained that he’d gathered the playing group, their families and staff together following the game to pay tribute to the contribution of four players who sadly won't be continuing with the Saints beyond 2011.

“I wanted to honour Michael Gardiner, Steven Baker, Andrew McQualter and Robert Eddy in the best way I know how, in the rooms after our last game for the year.”

Lyon reflected on the departure of the four players, who made Grand Final appearances for the Club, as marking the end of an era for the St Kilda Football Club.