Essendon president David Barham has announced he has stepped down from his post, with former player Andrew Welsh promoted into the role. “My love for the Essendon Football Club is second only to the love I have for my family,” Barham wrote in a statement. I have no doubt we are now on the right track, and I leave excited about the future.”Essendon president Dave Barham has quit immediately. He will take over as president immediately before Barham ends his nine-year stint on the board “in the coming weeks”. “I have been thinking about this decision for a while, and feel the timing is right.”As president, Barham oversaw the sacking of senior coach Ben Rutten and appointment of Brad Scott in 2022.