Essendon has confirmed that James Hird will not play an active role in the club’s 2014 campaign when he returns from his 12-month suspension on August 25.
As reported by Fairfax Media earlier this week, Hird’s involvement will not include a presence in the coach’s box.
The Bombers released a statement on Friday outlining their decision on their official website.
“We have all agreed that when James is eligible to return to the club on 25 August, James’ focus will be entirely on the 2015 season – he will not be in the coaching box or have an active coaching role at training,” said chairman Paul Little.
Hird indicated he was comfortable with the decision.
“As much as I would dearly love to have jumped straight back into working with the team, I am determined that whatever role I play should in no way act as a distraction from the 2014 campaign,” Hird said via the statement.
