NEW Melbourne senior assistant coach and Paul Roos’ successor, Simon Goodwin, has been congratulated by Essendon on his appointment.

The Bombers commended Goodwin as “valued and highly regarded member” of Essendon’s coaching panel, since he joined the club following his decorated playing career at the end of 2010.

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell said the club would not stand in the way of Goodwin pursuing his ambition to coach at a senior level.

“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, I’d like to thank Simon for the tremendous job he’s done over the past four seasons. We wish Simon and his family all the best in his new role at the Melbourne Football Club,” he said in a media release.

“Simon has been transparent from the very beginning of his interview process with the Melbourne Football Club. He clearly has the skills set to coach at senior level and we would never stand in the way of him pursuing his dream.

“Simon has been a great teacher and mentor for our playing group, and his standing and reputation amongst the broader football industry is a testament to his character as a person, and the dedication and professionalism he displayed during his time at Essendon.”

Senior coach James Hird praised Goodwin for his dedication over the journey.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a talented coach like Simon, but from the moment he walked in the door at Essendon you could tell he had the ability and skills set to be a senior coach,” Hird said.

“Simon has done a tremendous job developing and strengthening our midfield group, and to a broader extent the football program in his role as senior assistant. Simon will be a great asset for the Melbourne Football Club and I wish him every success.”

Goodwin thanked the Essendon Football Club for igniting his coaching career.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Essendon Football Club and can’t thank them enough for the opportunity they gave me to get my coaching career off the ground,” Goodwin said.

“It was an extremely tough decision to make, and I’d like to thank James and ‘Bomber’ (Mark Thompson) for the time and experience they put into my development as a coach.

“The players, staff and people at Essendon will always mean a huge amount to me and I wish them all the best for season 2015 and beyond.”