New Essendon president David Barham has defended the club’s failed pursuit of Alastair Clarkson, saying he would have been “derelict in his duty” if he didn’t speak with the four-time premiership coach.

A defiant Barham fronted reporters on Friday after North Melbourne unveiled Clarkson as its new coach, despite a chaotic week that saw Essendon linked heavily with a last-minute Clarkson coup.

Barham confirmed the Bombers had approached Clarkson, which had left Ben Rutten disappointed and hurt.

“It’s been horrible, but my job is to make sure the footy club is the best footy club it can be,” Barham said.

Barham said Rutten would coach the Bombers this weekend before the club decided what to do next.

He said hard decisions loomed.

Picture: AFL.com