KEVIN Sheedy is making a stunning return to Essendon in what will be a Godfather role.

The legendary four-time premiership coach will quit as director of Greater Western Sydney and return to the Bombers as general manager — club projects and innovation.

It is a five-year deal and Sheedy will sit on the club executive.

Sheedy has had several meetings with Bombers president Paul Little and chief executive Xavier Campbell in recent weeks and an announcement could be made as early as next week.

Contacted recently by the Herald Sun, Sheedy refused to comment about a possible return to Essendon.

The multi-year deal is a paid role worth up to $250,000 a season.

His role will include all facets of the club — community and corporate engagement, membership, marketing and football.

In a bid to rebuild their brand, the Bombers have a long-term vision around the question: Where will the club be in five years?

Sheedy will be a key figure in that project.

The Herald Sun first reported Essendon’s interest in luring Sheedy back to Essendon in October last year.

KEVIN SHEEDY COULD RETURN TO ESSENDON ALONGSIDE JAMES HIRD

That communication to Sheedy was the second to Sheedy from the embattled Bombers inside 12 months.

Late in 2013, Sheedy met acting chief executive Ray Gunston who offered Sheedy a role that did not allow him access to the football department.

Sheedy felt insulted by and ultimately rejected the offer.

Influential members of Essendonians coterie group again contacted Sheedy during the 2014 season, before Sheedy had an informal catch-up with coach James Hird late last year.

The Bombers also would not confirm any impending appointment to the Herald Sun.

At the club’s annual general meeting in December, Little confirmed he had spoken to Sheedy about “his future”.

“A regular question I have been asked recently has been _ will Kevin ever return to our club,” Little said.

“I can’t say that he will and I can’t say he won’t.

“But what I can say is that I have met with Kevin and will continue to have discussions with him about what the future might look like.”

Sheedy was sacked as Essendon coach after the 2007 season, before becoming the GWS’s inaugural coach in 2009.

Replaced by Leon Cameron as coach at the end of 2013, Sheedy was appointed to the GWS board in December 2013.

Sheedy coached Essendon to four premierships over a record 27 years with the club.