ESSENDON fans will distribute 10,000 banners supporting coach James Hird ahead of Saturday's clash with St Kilda.

The simple red and black placards with the words 'stand by Hird' are being funded by donations from supporters and one high profile celebrity.

It's understood the loyal Bombers fan, who insisted on remaining anonymous, has chipped in up to $5,000 to the cause.

"Whilst the club can't speak and Hird can't speak about what's going on, we thought there's nothing stopping the fans," organiser Nicholas Fogarty told AFL.com.au.  

"We started with just a thread on the Bomber Blitz forum, it's gone a bit viral."

Fogarty said fans would be encouraged to hold the signs up every time the Bombers kicked a goal, and also as Hird made his way out of the ground at breaks in play.

He said the signs would be distributed at Saturday's VFL game at Windy Hill, as well as the Etihad Stadium concourse by a group of up to 30 volunteers.

Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL