Essendon chairman Paul Little has rubbished reports some players could be facing infraction notices from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and possible suspensions.

“In discussions we’ve had with the various authorities that are at the centre of this issue, they’ve given me a level of confidence that it is unlikely,” Little said.

“People who continually bring it up and fan the flames, that’s clearly driven by other motives.

“I don’t think they understand nor do they really care too much about us.

“There could be new information. But the reference in the press at the weekend that there are infraction notices on the way is simply incorrect.

“The AFL know nothing about that. We don’t know anything about that and I’m not concerned about that.

“The Government, ASADA, the AFL are probably the key bodies … There are a number of vested interests in this and we try to stay close to all of them.”

Meanwhile, new Essendon coach Mark Thompson said the Bombers needed to make the fans proud of their club again.

Thompson said the supplements scandal, which took a heavy toll on the club including a ban from the 2013 finals series and a $2 million fine from the AFL, was in the past.

Previously James Hird’s assistant, Thompson will serve a one-year term as senior coach. Hird’s 12-month ban stemming from the scandal over the club’s 2012 supplements program expires in August 2014.

Thompson said his first week on the job at the Bombers’ new training facility at Tullamarine had been a refreshing change.

“This place is only going to help the football club,” Thompson said.

“That (supplements scandal) has happened.

“We’re looking at the present. We’re looking at the future.”

Thompson said he favoured open training sessions with fans welcome.

“We won’t have that many closed sessions,” he said.

“We’re going to try to invite our members in and just try to restore a bit of faith in us and just give them a better experience than what they’ve had in the past … make them proud of our club.”