Ross Lyon is all set to return as St Kilda’s coach, declaring: “we’re very close”.
Lyon has made headlines across the week as the Saints search for Brett Ratten’s successor, meeting with key club figures on multiple occasions while also presenting to the board on Wednesday.
Speaking on Thursday to 9 News, Lyon voiced his desire to change the narrative around the club.
#EXCLUSIVE: Ross Lyon has given his strongest indication yet that he will return to St Kilda, revealing to #9News that he's fallen back in love with the club.
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) October 20, 2022
WATCH LIVE at 6pm to see the exclusive chat. #9News pic.twitter.com/vSPS8s33kp
“We’re very close, giving both parties time to do their… due diligence. Hopefully get across the line in the not-too-distant future because things are pointing that way, I’m keen, my heart’s been opened up,” he said.
“I don’t like the narrative around St Kilda. Maybe it's deserved, but I think sometimes it’s a bit disrespectful. Hopefully it can get to a point where I can roll up the sleeves and help change that, hopefully.”
The former St Kilda coach also acknowledged it was a difficult time for the club and Ratten but added “it’s a brutal industry”.
In new St Kilda footy boss Geoff Walsh’s first interview he described the Saints as a club with a “degree of irrelevance”. The club hasn’t made finals in two years.
Lyon previously led the Saints to two Grand Final appearances and 76 wins between 2007 and 20111, finishing with a win rate of 64.46 per cent in his time at the club.
St Kilda are widely expected to announce Lyon's appointment in the coming days, returning to the club he walked out on 11 years ago.