Mark Thompson flags possibility of leaving but denies rival interest
ESSENDON caretaker coach Mark Thompson has raised the possibility of him stepping away from Essendon, but insists he has not spoken to any rival clubs about a coaching job.
Thompson led Essendon to the finals in 2014 while James Hird served an AFL-imposed suspension.
Hird has returned to the club and is contracted to coach Essendon in 2015, although uncertainty surrounds the Bombers’ coaching position after Hird and Essendon recently lost a Federal Court challenge to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's investigation of the club.
"It's an option, a real option," Thompson told Fox Footy when asked if he was staying at Essendon.
"But I'm also thinking about not doing anything [at Essendon].
"It's just reflection time - that's an option."
Thompson added he hadn’t been contacted by rival clubs chasing his services.
"No I have not. Definitely not," Thompson said.
"I've heard lots of rumours. But I have not spoken to any club.
"I actually didn't answer the phone today at all.”