ESSENDON wants James Hird to tell his side of the story when he returns from overseas later this year. 

While the Bombers claim Hird hasn't been "gagged", he has remained relatively silent on the supplements scandal which saw him handed a 12-month ban from coaching. 

Essendon chairman Paul Little said Hird may be in a position to speak about the events of 2012 and 2013 when he returns from studying overseas. 

"We have discussed with James the support the club would give to that type of event," Little said on Wednesday, after a board meeting which unanimously decided Hird would resume as coach in 2015.

"And I think given that James is offshore now and will be offshore for three-to-four months, it's likely to occur on his return."

While the Bombers concede in hindsight they perhaps should have allowed Hird to speak last year, they decided against it while the AFL and ASADA investigation was ongoing.

"I think it's appropriate for that to be finalised before James is given the opportunity to talk, but yes, we hope he will and we're sure he will," Little said. 

Little encouraged Hird to talk openly about the game but to "fall in line" with the club's views when speaking about the investigation. 

"We certainty don't want to gag James. We just want to make sure the focus in the footy club at the moment is where it's meant to be," Little said.

"Last Friday night…we thought it was very inappropriate that the focus be taken away from the football club. 

"To some extent we don't need that sort of explanation or opportunity for James to talk right at the moment, but it will happen."

Comments in the media from Hird's wife Tania last week, and comments from Hird's advisors, were addressed by the Bombers in Wednesday's teleconference hook-up with the coach. 

"Part of the protocols we've put in place now with James attempts to try and disassociate any comments that are made and attributed back to him," Little said. 

Little says the Hirds were getting closer to moving past their disappointment of last year. 

"It's time for James to get over his anger," he said.

"I think it's understandable James is frustrated, but I don't believe that emotion will help him become a better coach of the Essendon Football Club."