 He was replaced by Neil Craig, who coached for the remainder of season 2004 and was eventually employed full-time.In 2006 he returned to coaching as assistant coach at the Essendon Football Club, alongside veteran Kevin Sheedy.When Matthew Knights was appointed as senior coach of Essendon at the end of the 2007 season, Knights vowed to modernise the club's support staff, Ayres subsequently lost his position as assistant coach.