Worsfold has come under fire from prominent football commentators and WA Football Commissioner Murray McHenry in recent weeks as his side slipped to 14th on the AFL ladder with a 3-7 record.
Chief executive Trevor Nisbett responded with an ironclad guarantee that Worsfold would coach the club at least until the end of the 2011 season, describing claims that he was under pressure to keep his job as “a nonsense”.
“Publicly there was the endorsement, but obviously privately I’m very comfortable with the relationship I have with [the board] and my understanding of where I’m at,” Worsfold said from Subiaco Oval on Wednesday.
“It wasn’t as though I needed it or I was hanging out for it.
“You don’t talk about issues that potentially aren’t issues. They only had to come out and talk about it because there were a lot of media stories about it.
“Privately, I’m tracking along and clear of where I’m at … I’m pretty assured.”
Worsfold has been steadfast in his belief that the Eagles will be ready to challenge for a premiership by 2012 and he reiterated his faith in the playing group.
“I’ve said it a lot, but with (Brad) Ebert, (Chris) Masten, (Luke) Shuey, when they’re 23-24 years of age, I think they’re going to be elite players in the competition, and I think that’ll be exciting to see, whoever’s coaching them.”
Nisbett released a statement on the club’s website on Monday afternoon stating that the West Coast board and management had faith in the club’s coaching structure and confidence in the direction the playing list was taking.
“The West Coast Eagles board backed John and his coaching staff last year when we extended his contract and we maintain our confidence in John and his team,” Nisbett said.
