Essendon's disastrous year has continued with president David Barham standing down, handing the role over to former player Andrew Welsh.

As contracted captain Zach Merrett tries to exit the AFL club, the Bombers have endured weeks of turbulence following another barren season.

Their substantial supporter base is restless and ex-players are unhappy.

Essendon great James Hird hailed Welsh's appointment, saying it can unify the fractured club.

Instead of facing a potential challenge, Barham has quit the presidency and plans to leave the board entirely.

Welsh, who played 162 games for Essendon and has become highly successful in his business life, steps up from being vice-president.

"I have given my all over the past three-and-a-half years and tackled every challenge with everything that

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