"The board is unanimous in its support of James and the strategy in place relating to his return to the club. To suggest the board is split in its support for James is simply not true," he said.

"Given the testing time our club has been through over the past two years, the board is immensely proud of the resilience of our players, coaches, staff and supporters and have no doubt that the ongoing loyalty of everyone at Essendon will continue to galvanise our club.

"We are united as a club and the Essendon Board will continue to make decisions in the best interest of our players, staff and members."

Fairfax Media had reported on Tuesday Hird had lost the support of up to three directors, with the board last week debating whether Hird should return at all as senior coach for the 2015 and '16 seasons.

It's understood some board members were not happy with Hird's remarks last week that he "definitely" wanted to return to the coach's box this season.

Hird will not have a role with the team when his 12-month suspension ends on August 25. He will instead begin planning for next season.

Fairfax Media also reported that some directors were frustrated with chairman Paul Little's non-consultative approach to the top role.