CORK FOOTBALL BOSS Brian Cuthbert has become the most high profile managerial casualty of the summer following his decision to step down from the role.
Cuthbert confirmed the news in a statement after the news was first reported by the Irish Examiner this morning.
“I have decided not to seek reappointment to the position of Cork senior football manager and am stepping down with immediate effect,” the Bishopstown man’s statement reads.
“From being within a few seconds of being crowned Munster Champions to making our All-Ireland Championship exit at the hands of Kildare at the weekend has been difficult for me, the players and backroom staff. The short period involved demonstrates the tight margins that exist between success and failure at inter county level.
“I would like to thank the players and all the backroom staff for their huge commitment over the past two years. I would also like to thank the Cork County Board for extending every support possible to myself and the team in the course of the League and Championship campaigns,” he added.
County Chairman Gerard Lane said: “On behalf of the County Board and on my own behalf, I would like to thank Brian for his service to Cork GAA, not just as senior manager but as a selector with Conor Counihan and as a successful minor manager previously. Brian still has a lot to offer to the GAA and I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Cuthbert took the job in 2013 following the resignation of Conor Counihan but, despite reaching a Allianz National Football League final and pair of Munster finals in his two years, is not seeking another term in charge.
The Rebels have endured a mixed 2015 suffering a heavy defeat to Dublin in the Division I final back in April.
They did, however, look like they were about to beat the defending All-Ireland champions Kerry in the Munster final earlier this month before Fionn Fitzgerald’s late effort forced a replay.
Kerry proved too strong in the replay and, with just seven days to prepare, Cork endured a torrid time against Kildare in the final round of the Qualifiers last Saturday evening, suffering an 8-point loss.
Most people in Cork didn’t want him to have the job in the first place but he has been massively let down by the players at the same time. Shot himself in the foot too but forcing the dual players to choose one code.
agreed
True gent of a man. Best of luck Cubby!
Was always likely.
Always looked like a man under pressure. He appeared hugely negative in his interview after the Kerry replay and that would feed into the panel for sure. Rumours about the conduct of some of the players the week after would further endorse that fact. He did his best, but too much collateral damage under his watch – Dubs (league semi 2014), Kerry (Munster 2014), Dubs (league final 2015) & now Kildare. This panel needs a new voice, but they also need to take upon themselves to develop some steel as well, particularly when things aren’t going their way – hopefully the new man will instill that trait into them.
was inevitable
Probably one of the most appealing jobs if u could get consistency out of them..plus the fact that they can’t get much worse than at the moment
Good.
it was inevitable
That cork job is not to appealing to a lot of managers I’d imagine. They are a very average bunch of players when you compare to the top teams today.
Tony Soprano sleeping with the fishes!
I would think that the job would be given to John Cleary and he would bring Niall Cahalane with him which would see Damien Cahalane coming back into the fold hopefully Niall could bring that intensity and steel into the team
Really you think bringing Damien back would help. You must not have been at last years Munster Final. He is doing just grand with the hurlers, but we would gladly let you have Walsh and the other Cadogan. We should look outside the County but that will NEVER happen. God forbid we might learn something. James Horan would be great choice.
Damien Cahalane isn’t related to a hurler!
Keep some of the players out of the pub the week of games and they might be alright