ESSENDON effectively sacked Mark Thompson on Wednesday, ending a tumultuous post-season saga between the club and its 2014 coach.

In the end, Thompson was frustrated with Essendon, but it was the Bombers who were more frustrated with Thompson.

After a tense and unyielding meeting with chairman Paul Little and chief executive Xavier Campbell, it was decided Thompson, a loved and respected figure at Essendon, was finished at the club.

A role had been previously put to Thompson, but it wasn’t even canvassed on Wednesday.

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It was apparent that Thompson could not work under head of football performance Neil Craig and the club had become frustrated at what they believed as Thompson’s lack of respect for the leadership hierarchy at the club.

For several weeks, the club could not contact the 1993 premiership captain to discuss 2015, with people inside the club describing him as erratic and unreliable.

“We held extensive negotiations with Mark but we were not able to reach a position that would satisfy both parties and in the end, we had to make a difficult decision in the best interests of all parties and move forward with planning for the 2015 season,’’ Campbell said in a statement last night.

“There were many factors that were considered but at the end of the day any role needed to have purpose and add meaningful value to our football club.”

media_camera Mark Thompson and Essendon chairman Paul Little after the Bombers’ win in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Herald Sun understands Thompson had agreed to depart the Bombers almost three weeks ago, but then baulked at the decision, and then could not be contacted.

Last week, Thompson met coach James Hird and cleared the air about his best and fairest speech in October, but ground could not be saved Tuesday. “I’m out, I’m done,” Thompson told the Herald Sun.

“There’s not a job there for me. I was happy to work there, but a role could not be agreed upon.

“In the end, it just didn’t work at all.’’

Thompson admitted he was disappointed to be departing after four years at the club, however sources confirmed last night he was shattered with the developments.

“I’m all right, it’s just taken so long to work it all out,’’ he said. “Now I have to find a job.’’

media_camera Mark Thompson spoke at Essendon's best and fairest, saying he was keen to stay on as the club’s senior coach. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Bombers were also peeved Thompson chose not to pay his $30,0000 fine for his role in the 2012 supplements program, which placed further stress on the relationship.

It’s believed Thompson had become increasingly disenchanted in recent weeks with the AFL and the Australian Anti-Sports Doping Authority about their handling of the investigation and subsequent penalties imposed in 2013.

Despite not commenting on the AFL-ASADA investigation or Federal Court appeal this year, Thompson remains defiant in his belief the club and its staff had been railroaded.

A source said that Thompson might feel the AFL-ASADA forces had “finally got him”.

Bombers fans reacted angrily to Tuesday’s announcement, which leaves Hird and club doctor Bruce Reid as the only remaining key figures to survive the supplements program.

Thompson’s departure means the coaching dream ticket formed in 2011 of Thompson and Hird has come to a stunning end.

Thompson was stand-in coach while Hird was suspended for the 2014 season and quickly became a favourite with supporters of all clubs for his candidness and honesty.

He loved coaching so much that that he admitted at the club best and fairest in October that he wanted to continue coaching, despite agreeing to a 12-month role.

Thompson confidantes have said Thompson believed that Hird was to be sacked the day after the best and fairest and that he would probably be asked to coach.

The comments disappointed Hird, but the pair squared it away last week.

A role at the club in 2015, which would have revolved around football and marketing, had been discussed since mid-September, but could not be agreed upon.

Craig’s position meant Thompson would’ve been answerable to Craig if he stayed, a situation which did not sit comfortably with Thompson.

Even if Craig is appointed coach of the Western Bulldogs in the next 48 hours, which is a possibility despite Luke Beveridge’s strong position, Thompson won’t return to Essendon.