UPDATE: James Hird could threaten Essendon with a contempt of court action should the Bombers use his Federal Court appeal as the basis for his sacking.

Hird's future as coach could be decided as early as Monday when the Essendon board meets to debate whether he should be dumped for appealing against the decision made by Justice John Middleton last month that the investigation into the club's 2012 supplements program by the AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority was lawful.

Hird arrived at the club's Tullamarine base on Monday morning, and when asked by reporters whether he would be coach at the end of the day, he replied that he would.

The board meeting is expected to be held some time during Monday afternoon via phone hook-up, and the club will reportedly make a statement before 5pm on Monday.

The Bombers have opted to not appeal Middleton's findings, putting the club at direct odds to Hird, and almost leading to Hird's sacking last Thursday.