NEW WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson says he wants Scott Burns to be part of his coaching panel after beating the highly rated assistant to the Eagles' top job this week.
Burns, who was among the final three candidates to replace John Worsfold, has been offered a contract to remain at the club with Simpson to meet with him in the next 24 hours.
The 38-year-old, who was long seen as the Eagles' likely next coach, has been responsible for the development of the club's young midfield and the Eagles will be working overtime to secure him.
"I'd love him to stay, but I understand his situation and what he's been through in the last week," Simpson said on Friday.
"From what I can gather, the people already here are made of the right stuff.
"There are some guys I want to talk to and we'll find out in the next few days where they're at.
"There's no doubt you need people you can trust when you're starting off in a job."
West Coast chairman Alan Cransberg said Burns, who would be highly sought after if he became available, offered "enormous value to the club".
"We're very keen for Scott to stay and we've offered him a contract," Cransberg said.
"It's obviously a decision for Scott, but we'd be delighted if he did (stay) and obviously we'll work very hard to make that happen.
"For us right now we thought Adam was the best candidate we could find and he'll be fantastic for this club."
Simpson was reluctant to comment on player movements at West Coast, with the Gillette AFL Free Agency Period opening on Friday.
Midfielder Daniel Kerr is weighing up his playing future with a decision set to take shape when he speaks with the new coach.
"I need to really sit down with the club and find out their philosophies, where they're at and what their thoughts are," he said.
"I think it would be reasonably disrespectful of me to come in and make assumptions.
"Once we find out where we're at and I can get a good handle on things, then I'll contribute.
"I'm aware that people here know more about the list than I do … at the moment I'll be learning more then I'll be making decisions."
While he stopped short of demanding a return to the finals for West Coast, which entered 2013 among the premiership fancies, Simpson said improvement was expected.
He said competitive instinct was his No.1 priority with the players, as well as flexibility.
"I'd like to develop the players into dual role type capabilities, not just be stuck in one position," he said.
"That's important with how you educate.
"Then the leadership of the group and where they're at, I'll find out a bit more about that in the coming weeks.
"Those are the main ones, along with football intelligence. That's really important to me."
