The possible return of James Hird to coach Essendon has divided the football industry, as the proud Victorian club looks to stabilise and appease fans after years of off-field turmoil and poor performance.

Chief football writer for The Age, Jake Niall, broke the story about the Bombers interviewing Hird, among other candidates, for its vacant senior coaching gig.

He gave Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings the lowdown on the interview candidates and process, and what Hird’s return, if successful, would mean for the club.

“My sense is there’s a group of Essendon supporters, probably a very large minority, that want to see him back,” Niall said.

LISTEN 👇 Jake Niall on the Essendon candidates