James Hird is confident he will return to Essendon as planned and is unequivocal in supporting his wife Tania.

The suspended coach was upbeat ahead of Wednesday’s specially-convened meeting with the AFL club’s board, saying he was very confident he’ll be back at the Bombers.

The issue of Hird’s future at Essendon was reignited last Thursday when Tania gave a television interview and slammed the AFL over its handling of the Essendon supplements scandal.

She said her husband was made the scapegoat of the saga.

Hird is serving a 12-month AFL suspension as a result of the supplements program, which remains under ASADA investigation.

He is under contract to coach Essendon until the end of 2016.

Tania Hird’s interview sparked ongoing speculation about whether her husband would, or should, return to Essendon as planned.

She has also come under fierce criticism for giving the interview, but has her husband’s full backing.

“Of course I support my wife, definitely … I support my wife in everything she does,” Hird said.

Tania Hird also made it clear on Tuesday that she was unhappy about talk that Essendon wanted her to front the meeting as well.

“The only comment I’d probably like to make is I’m not a piece of cattle and I’m not an employee,” she said.

“It’s really offensive to suggest that I’d be hauled anywhere.”

It is understood the meeting will be held from late afternoon at the club’s Tullarmarine headquarters.

Hird is studying in Singapore and will appear at the meeting via an electronic link.