Seamus McEnaney has managed his native Monaghan on two occasions, and has had enjoyed great success during both stints.
A county that doesn't have a great geographical advantage in terms of the catchment area, the Farney are always known for punching well above their weight.
However, when McEnaney first took the job in the early 2000s, this certainly was not the case, as the team were rooted to the bottom divisions of Gaelic football, and the culture within the team was less than professional.
Speaking on the Farney Army Podcast, the ex Monaghan manager admitted that things needed to change if they were going to start competing at the top level.
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🚨 Season 1 finale OUT NOW!
👀 ‘Banty’ McEnaney PART II
🏐 His biggest regret in football
🏐 Ógie Ó Dufaigh
🏐 Attempted transfer of Galway + Mayo stars
🏐 ‘Never say never’ on a return to intercounty management
➕ LOADS MORE!🎧 Listen here👇https://t.co/tDCcc1OWnd
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"There was a huge culture problem at Monaghan when I went in to manage Monaghan in 2004.
"I seen some of the Monaghan players be picked up at the Hillgrove in Monaghan on their way home from nightclubs, to go and play games for Monaghan.
"I was in Waterford and seen that first sight. We drew with Waterford in 2004, and I seen it with my own two eyes in them early years.
"In 2001 or 2002, they were playing in Division Three and playing down the country in Division Four, the standards were horrendous, it was unacceptable.
"I went for the job in 2004, and club football in Corduff in 1998 was way ahead what in what the standards I was looking at (with Monaghan)."
It's fair to say that 'Banty' managed to turn that culture around, as he guided the team to league promotions and even an Ulster final, things that couldn't even be dreamed of for the county at that time.
What followed was 20 years of unprecedented success, two Ulster titles, and a decade in Division One football, not to mention some massive days out in Croke Park.
McEnaney was re-appointed as manager in 2019, by which time they had secured two provincial titles and were flying high in the top flight, so it was a very different environment to step into.
