Thompson unsure if he'll stay at Bombers

Essendon caretaker coach Mark Thompson says he's thinking about not staying at the AFL club.

Essendon coach Mark Thompson

Essendon caretaker coach Mark Thompson says he's thinking about not staying at the AFL club. (AAP)

Essendon caretaker coach Mark Thompson is no certainty to be at the AFL club next year.

Thompson, who filled in for suspended James Hird this season, remains off contract.

The Bombers were expected to retain Thompson in a senior post, with captain Jobe Watson last month saying it was the "obligation of the club ... to find the right role for him".

Thompson suggested a fortnight ago he was in discussions with Essendon hierarchy, adding that he wanted "to do something" at the Bombers in 2015.

The dual premiership coach was more indecisive on Monday when the topic came up during his regular slot on Fox Footy.

"It's an option, a real option. But I'm also thinking about not," Thompson said when asked if he still intended to stay at Essendon.

"Not doing anything (at Essendon).

"It's just reflection time - that's an option."

Thompson's words will fuel speculation he is headed to Gold Coast, where the future of Suns coach Guy McKenna is uncertain.

But Thompson made it clear on Monday night he had not been approached by any other club than Essendon.

"No. I have not. Definitely not," Thompson said.

"I've heard lots of rumours though, like everyone.

"But I have not spoken to anyone.

"I actually didn't answer the phone today at all."

Essendon's best and fairest awards night is on Wednesday, when the club is expected to provide more clarity on the future of Hird and Thompson.

The Bombers are considering an appeal against the recent Federal Court finding in favour of the the joint AFL-ASADA investigation.

Essendon have until October 10 to decide whether they will appeal.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world