West Coast champion Don Pyke expected to knock back Eagles chief executive role

West Coast champion Don Pyke is expected to turn down the club’s chief executive role, sources have told The West. Club insiders told The West that Pyke — who was the frontrunner for the position that is soon to be vacant when Trevor Nisbett’s long-term tenure comes to an end — will remain in Sydney, where he is a respected senior assistant working under coach John Longmire. The West also understands no other serious discussions have taken place with other candidates. The two-time Eagles premiership player responded to questions from The West Australian by saying he remained involved with the club’s search to replace the soon-to-be vacating Trevor Nisbett. “I am still involved in the CEO process and this process is ongoing,” Pyke said. The former Adelaide coach and businessman has previously said he had an interest in the job, but was waiting for more information about the role itself and the recruiting process. “I’ve spoken to the club. The announcement on Wednesday is that Trevor is not going ahead after next year and I was asked if I was interested,” Pyke said last month. “I have some interest depending on what the role and the process entails and in my eyes what they’re looking for because it’s got to match all parties.” Pyke’s lack of interest now increases the likelihood of Nisbett remaining in the role up until his contract runs out at the end of next season. It comes a week after Sydney CEO Tom Harley backed Pyke to do the job and said the Swans would love to retain him, but would not stand in his way. “We love Pykey and we are really hopeful and planning for him to be a part of our footy club whilst acknowledging that, without going into specifics, that there’s a vacant role over at West Coast in what you’d have to say is not a traditional path from coach to CEO,” Harley told SEN during the trade period. “Don’s a really special talent and we’ve got plans for him as well here, but we’ll work with Don respectfully on that ... if I could wave a magic wand he’d be staying with us at the Swans and contributing to our program. “His record as a senior coach is outstanding and the impact he’s had on our football club has been really pivotal as well. “I’m working with Don that he stays with us long term, but also equally acknowledging that these sorts of roles don’t pop up very often.” Long-time West Coast consultant Lloyd Smith of international executive recruitment firm Gerard Daniels is leading the hunt for Nisbett’s successor.