Little said he met with Hird, general manager of football performance Neil Craig, chief executive Xavier Campbell and Thompson earlier this week.
The meeting was called to discuss what was in the best interests of the club, Little said.
“And more specifically the playing group, as we prepare for what we all hope will be an active finals campaign,” Little added.
Little said all parties agreed it was best for Hird to work on planning issues away from the club while the 2014 season is still underway.
Hird says he doesn’t want to be a distraction.
“As much as I would dearly love to have jumped straight back into working with the team, I am determined that whatever role I play should in no way act as a distraction from the 2014 campaign,” Hird said.
“I would like to congratulate the club on what has been achieved so far this year. In very tough circumstances, the club has demonstrated great strength and resilience.
“As I will not be making any further public comments in relation to any matter, including the Federal Court case, I ask the media respect the privacy of my family.”
A Federal Court trial between Essendon and Hird against ASADA, launched after the anti-doping body issued show-cause notices to 34 current and former players, is scheduled to begin in August.
andyl12
Guest
The investigation that was published by the AFL last year showed that a system of lawlessness existed surrounding the sports science programme. Dank kept Hird in the dark regarding who took what. Maybe Hird wanted it that way. Who knows. Whether or not Hird has commented on the investigation is irrelevant. As head coach the buck stops with him, but then again maybe nobody ever taught him such basic principles.
Casper
Guest
No that is not the point. Hird hasn't commented on anything to do with the ASADA investigation as he gave his word that he wouldn't. You don't know what Hird knows, so how can you say that he had no idea about what his players were drugged with?
andyl12
Guest
Casper- exactly the point. Hird had no idea what his players were drugged with yet he still thought he had things under control. Any other person in any other job would be unemployed for life if they did that.
Casper
Guest
Allowed his players to be drugged with what?
Cadfael
Roar Guru
So Hird won't have anything to do with coaching the side until 2015. Right. And February has 30 days.
Bobbo7
Guest
He should never coach again. Complete disgrace if he is allowed anywhere near another football team. He allowed his players to be drugged and EFC should get rid of him. If he stays EZfZc will continue to be known as the drug club
joe b
Guest
If Hird was so 'determined', he would have already communicated to the club that he wouldn't return until bomber's season was over...but it required a 5hr meeting of the board to convince him he is a distraction.