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Multitude Of Managerial Changes Supports Jarlath Burns' Call For 'Contract Debate'

Multitude Of Managerial Changes Supports Jarlath Burns' Call For 'Contract Debate'
Lee Costello
By Lee Costello
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The past few months have seen a multitude of managerial changes across the inter-county scene, as the constant chopping and changing was happening on an almost weekly basis.

Since the championship ended, Mickey Harte left his role with Derry after only one year in charge, and despite having 15 weeks to replace him, the county have failed to do so.

Monaghan fans were surprised to learn that Vinny Corey was standing down from his job, despite only being in charge for his second season.

Leitrim were hopeful that Andy Moran would stay in charge but when he decided to leave to join the Farney's backroom team, they appointed Mickey Graham as their new manager, only for him to then leave the position less than two months later.

There was a lot of speculation and noise surrounding the Mayo camp following a questionnaire that seemed to threaten Kevin McStay's position as manager, but after months of sorting they finally came to the conclusion that he would remain in charge of his native county.

As things stand, the role of managers at club or county level, is under the pretence of amateur, meaning that it is a volunteer role rather than an official job.

However, it is a well known fact that managers get paid in the form of expenses, and some of those sums are certainly more than enough to be considered a full time job.

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At inter-county level in particular, the commitment levels are so demanding and time consuming, that it is certainly a full time role in terms of the hours that are required, and a strong reason behind the constant changes.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio on Sunday the former Armagh star admits that there may need to be a discussion around bringing in contracts for managers.

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What does it mean to be a GAA inter-county player in 2024 and what does it mean to be a manager?

"I think there will be a debate on whether we should put managers on contract, because it is nearly a full-time job, the amount of accountability is there. Even when you are winning there can be difficulty listening to criticism.

"I have great sympathy for managers and I take my hat off to them. They don't do it for the money, they do it because they want to be part of something bigger.”

The Ulsterman went on to address the elephant in the room, which is the well known fact that managers are already being paid to some degree.

I don't have any executive power in the GAA. We all know for many, many years that generous expenses have been given to managers and I'm not going to comment on that and you don't comment on what you don't know.

"Managers are much maligned. They get the blame for everything. People blame managers and coaches for the way Gaelic football is played today.

"Managers put in an incredible amount of time in thinking and preparing and having to get their teams ready. Sometimes they can have a hostile relationship with the media, particularly local media and that can create its own narrative.”

Gaelic football is going through a metamorphosis of sorts rights now, as there are so many changes being introduced.

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The split season really shook things up, and the elimination of pre-season tournaments has seen a traditional competition disappear almost overnight.

Now there are new rule changes being proposed and they will be showcased this weekend via a Railway Cup style competition live on TG4 and RTÉ.

The situation of managers, their long hours and the way in which they are being paid, or not being paid, could be the next thing brought into this evolution of changes.

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