Essendon Football Club will decide on the future of coach James Hird on Monday when the board will meet to discuss its options.

Club chairman Paul Little doused rumours that Hird was sacked late this week, telling reporters that Hird remains as the coach.

The board will also meet to discuss Hird’s decision to appeal the Federal Court ruling on the joint ASADA AFL drugs investigation.

The appeal put him at odds with the Bombers after they decided not to appeal last month’s ruling.

Mark Thompson, who filled in as Bombers coach last season, is the favourite to take over if Essendon goes ahead and dismissess Hird.

Source: The Age, ABC