ESSENDON’S high performance manager John Quinn has announced that he will leave Windy Hill to pursue other career opportunities at the end of the 2008 season.

Quinn will have completed 10 seasons with the Bombers by the time he finishes up at the end of the year.

"John feels the time is right to look at other opportunities and we understand and accept that," Essendon chief operating officer Travis Auld said.

"Both John and the club agreed it is appropriate to make this decision public now so that, as a club, we can commence the process of finding the best person for the job.

"The football department has undergone some significant change in recent times and we see this as an opportunity to continue to build for the future."

Quinn, who played a major role in James Hird's return from a debilitating foot injury ahead of the Bombers' all-conquering season in 2000, said that he enjoyed his time at the club and would be looking at new opportunities over the next few months.

"It has been a very rewarding period of my life but the time is right to start looking at what is next from a career perspective," Quinn said.

"I have really enjoyed my time with the club and I would particularly like to thank all the players I have worked with so closely, the coaches and other staff.

"I have become a better person while being at Essendon and I hope I will leave the club in a stronger position for having been here."