WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JAME'S HIRD'S APPOINTMENT? CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR SAY.

THE return of Essendon legend James Hird was always going to inspire confidence among the Bomber faithful.

But the appointment of the 253-game champion as Essendon coach has inspired only cautious, rather than overt, optimism from some of the club's fans.

Hird was announced as successor to Matthew Knights last week with a four-year contract at Windy Hill.

The 37-year-old last played for Essendon in 2007, calling time on a career that yielded two premierships, a Brownlow Medal and five club best-and-fairests.

A legend on the field and hero off it, Hird's return was always going to unite the fans. But after watching the Bombers finish 14th with a seven-win, 15-loss season this year, the fans aren't getting carried away with the new appointment.

"People are asking if I'm excited, and I am," cheer squad co-ordinator Luisa Gaetano said.

"But it's early days, memberships haven't even been sent out yet.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JAME'S HIRD'S APPOINTMENT? CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR SAY.

"Everyone is feeling good about the club again, this appointment will bring stability. James Hird had a never-say-die attitude [on the field], he was always there for the club."

Bomber member for 61 years Emil Eugene said he expected Hird's appointment to bring fans old and new through the gates at Windy Hill for training sessions and club functions.

"He [Hird] will keep the knockers away," he said.

"I don't expect too much [next year], maybe eight or nine wins. Put it this way, you've got to recruit players and give it at least three or four years."