Collingwood is in talks with veteran administrator Graham Wright about a new role when he returns from his overseas holiday, reports The Age.
Wright left his position as Magpies football boss following their 2023 premiership triumph for a sabbatical to travel with his family to the United States and Europe.
According to The Age, Wright offered his resignation last December before Collingwood president Jeff Browne declined it and instead arranged for his extended leave. The 56-year old has reportedly remained in contact with the club in a consultancy role.
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Wright is due back at the end of August, with Pies director of coaching Brendon Bolton helping fill the role on an interim basis.
And according to the report, two senior Collingwood sources expect the club to reshuffle its football department at season’s end in a bid to keep Wright, who wants new opportunities amid a 35-year run in football.
Wright reportedly has interest in becoming a club chief executive and was keen on the role at the 19th club before the Tasmania Devils hired ex-Richmond boss Brendon Gale.
The Age reports Collingwood, who’s slumped to 12th place on the ladder, is “adamant” Wright’s absence hasn’t played a role in its decline this season.
Wright’s sabbatical has put bigger workloads on the likes of Bolton and fellow coach Justin Leppitsch, while senior coach Craig McRae and CEO Craig Kelly have also taken on extra duties.
Returning to Collingwood in 2021 after a golden era at Hawthorn alongside Alastair Clarkson, Wright, a 1990 premiership Magpie, played a key role in the the club’s renaissance amid a host of changes including installing McRae as coach and overseeing its list build.
Collingwood had nothing to add on record when contacted by foxfooty.com.au.