2010 ended in a disappointing All-Ireland quarter-final exit for Kerry. That was the first time Bryan Sheehan captained Kerry. Six years later, he will once again lead his county.
The reason: Sheehan's South Kerry won the 2015 Kerry Senior Football Championship.
It is the way of Kerry football that the county champions select the following year's senior captain.
Speaking on 2FM's Game On, Pat Spillane expressed his belief that it is time for Kerry to change method the of selection.
This is mainly due to the uncertainty regarding Sheehan's place in the Kerry starting team.
I think the captain should be chosen by team management and should be a guy that is guaranteed his place and who shows leadership qualities.
Giving the captaincy to somebody who is not certain of his place puts a lot of pressure on that person.
In 2015, Kerry suffered from the exact issue Spillane is talking about.
Kieran Donaghy was nominated as captain by his club Austin Stacks. However, the man who gave Kerry the injection they needed to win the 2014 All-Ireland was less prominent in his 2015 role.
Given the strength of the Anthony Maher and David Moran partnership in the Kerry midfield, it could again be tough for Bryan Sheehan to break into the team at his preferred position.
Spillane believes Sheehan worthy of a starting berth in Eamonn Fitzmaurice's side.
I would love to see Bryan starting for Kerry. I don't think there is a better kicker of a ball on the ground or off the hand in Gaelic football in Ireland than Bryan Sheehan.
I think he is that good. When it comes to skill Bryan Sheehan is as good as anyone.
Picture credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE
