Bomber doesn't want to go on
Essendon coach Mark Thompson isn't interested in continuing in the job next year as the Bombers prepare to discuss James Hird's future at the club.
Essendon's board will meet today to decide Hird's position.
The Bombers are concerned at ongoing commentary from Hird's family, in particular his wife Tania and advisors in response to the 12-month suspension handed to him last August for his role in the club's supplements saga.
Chairman Paul Little has made it clear that he believes Hird is responsible for the controversy.
While some critics believe Hird can't be allowed to return to coaching after his ban ends, Thompson said he had no plans to coach the club beyond 2014.
"I wouldn't expect the club to ask and I wouldn't change my answer. I'm coaching for the year and that's it," Thompson said.
"He's coming back. That was the plan. Until it changes we can't do anything else."
Essendon shook off the fall- out surrounding Tania Hird's television interview, seemingly designed to embarrass AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, last Thursday night to eclipse North Melbourne 24 hours later.
Thompson said good clubs handled pressure and he had no concerns that the board meeting would distract the players ahead of their Friday night Etihad Stadium showdown with Hawthorn.
"I don't think it'll have any impact at all," Thompson said.
"We won't talk about it. We won't use it. The best way to play good footy is to concentrate on your footy. It's not my issue. It's a club issue."
Hird was upbeat ahead of the meeting, while his wife was fuming at talk she would be hauled before the board.
Hird, who is studying in Singapore, told Channel Nine he was "very confident" he would return as coach.
He will appear at the meeting via an electronic link.
"Of course I support my wife, definitely ... I support my wife in everything she does," Hird said.
Tania Hird said: "The only comment I'd probably like to make is I'm not a piece of cattle and I'm not an employee. It's really offensive to suggest that I'd be hauled anywhere."
With Australian Associated Press
