DEAN Solomon expects Essendon's new full-time coach to be appointed early next week and to take part in player exit meetings as the club seeks to move on from another tumultuous season.
Solomon will lead the Bombers for the final time as interim coach against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, hoping to lift the 2-20 side off the bottom of the ladder.
The 46-year-old, who has been in charge since the mid-season sacking of Brad Scott, has no certainty over his own future at Essendon.
However, he is adamant the right call will be made on the next senior coach, with former Bombers James Hird and Mark McVeigh, Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham and Adelaide coaching director Murray Davis the final four candidates.
Speaking with media on Thursday, Solomon said Essendon CEO Tim Roberts had addressed the whole club and indicated the new coach would be named in the coming days.
"They expect that early next week they'll announce a coach and that that coach will potentially, most likely, be available to be part of those (exit) meetings, which is a good thing," Solomon said.
"I'm not responsible for the decision on the new coach, but I have a lot of trust in the decision that will be made and it will be the right coach for this football club at the right time.
"Whoever that is and whatever that means, I guess that will take care of itself in the coming week or so."
Solomon has led Essendon to just one victory in 11 matches at the helm and will discuss his own future with club bosses, including president and former teammate Andrew Welsh, after the new coach is appointed.
"There'll be a new coach in place and it all makes sense because the structure will be clearer," Solomon said.
"I don't love delving into my private life, but my wife and kids also live in northern New South Wales, so there are a few moving parts to it."
Solomon wants Essendon to honour captain Andy McGrath in his 200th AFL game with victory over Port Adelaide, and is hopeful the fixture won't be Zach Merrett's final appearance in red and black.
The Bombers refused to let Merrett break his contract and join Hawthorn in last year's trade period, but there is speculation the former skipper will again demand a move to their arch-rivals.
"Zach's been incredible for me while I've been in this role," Solomon said.
"Incredibly supportive, driven, his leadership to the group has really been powerful. He's guided this young group in an elite level.
"He's a six-time Crichton Medallist and he'd have to go close to nudging another one, so he's a champion of our football club and I really hope that he stays."
