Return of Allan not relevant: McGuire

EDDIE McGuire says it is yet to be decided whether banned football boss Graeme “Gubby” Allan will return to Collingwood.

Allan, 63, is serving a 12month AFL suspension for his role in the Lachie Whitfield drugs scandal.

“Today we’re talking about the chief executive ... so there is no decision on that,” McGuire said of Allan’s possible return yesterday.

“That’s all part of our blueprint for the future, who will be here and who won’t be.”

Friends of Allan expect the veteran staffer to return to a role within the Magpies football department next season.

Others believe it is highly unlikely the club, undergoing three reviews, including a probe into governance, will bring him back.

The governance report is being conducted by Chris Thomas, a former managing partner of global executive search firm Egon Zehnder and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Businessman Peter Murphy, director and chairman of Pan Group Australia, is charged with creating a blueprint for the club’s future.

The third review into the club’s football department is being headed by footy operations boss Geoff Walsh, who replaced Allan late last year.

Five football chiefs have sat above senior coach Nathan Buckley since 2013. Walsh has served two terms with a stint at North Melbourne in between.

Rodney Eade, Neil Balme and Allan have also filled the role.

McGuire said yesterday he had no regrets about the revolving door at the club.

“Without going through them all individually, there’s all very specific reasons why decisions or movements were made,” McGuire said.