Embattled Carlton coach Michael Voss’s future is secure after the club’s board endorsed a recommendation from new chief executive Graham Wright that he should be retained for 2026.

Contracted until the end of next season, Voss’s tenure was put on the table at a club board meeting on Wednesday night amid mounting speculation the Blues could follow Melbourne’s lead and look for a new coach.

Carlton has won just seven of 20 games this season, failing to meet most expectations, after making finals in 2023 and 2024.

But on Thursday afternoon a club statement confirmed Voss was safe for next season.

“The Carlton Football Club can today confirm with absolute clarity that its AFL senior coach Michael Voss will remain coach of the Blues into the 2026 AFL season,” the statement said.

“As communicated by the club in June, incoming CEO Graham Wright has been maximising the final eight weeks of the home and away season to work closely with the football department.

“This has involved clear consultation with players, coaches and staff, producing valuable insights into where the AFL program currently sits, and the necessary steps that need to be taken to take the team forward.”

Carlton president Rob Priestley said the club wanted to make “calm, rational and fully informed decisions” and despite months of poor results backed in Voss.

“The first of these has been in relation to our senior coach, which we are now in a position to provide clarity on following last night’s scheduled board meeting,” he said.

“Last night, Graham presented a recommendation to the board of directors that Michael remains as our senior coach into next season.

“This recommendation was unanimously endorsed by the board.

“For the last few months Graham and Michael have been meeting regularly, during which time they have been engaged in open and honest dialogue with one another on what is required for us to evolve as a football side.

“Michael’s ability to lead our football club this year in the face of incredible pressure has displayed the attributes of a strong and selfless leader.

“Carlton always comes first for our coach, and Graham and Michael share a clear and aligned view on the opportunities to improve football performance.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that Michael Voss is the coach of the Carlton Football Club and he will remain the coach of the Carlton Football Club.”

Voss has been in charge of the Blues since 2022, taking them to the preliminary final in 2023 and the finals again in 2024.