Management issue must be 'bottomed out'

Jason Sherlock feels the increase in demands of inter-county football management must be "bottomed out" in order for it to be addressed as the future of coaching in the sport continues to be debated.

GAA president Jarlath Burns last year raised the possibility of contracts for managers given how much it has been stated that doing the role is not possible on an amateur basis over a long period of time.

For the fourth year in succession, more than 10 managers have left their positions after the conclusion of their season.

Many raise the issue of the demands of the role when reaching a decision to walk away.

It is particularly relevant when it comes to counties outside of Division 1.

Sherlock, speaking in a wide-ranging interview on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 this afternoon, said he feels the time is nearing where the issue will be addressed: "I get why the GAA are looking at that. I always looked at Jim Gavin and then I was involved with Dessie Dolan with Westmeath for a couple of years and it's such a big commitment from a time perspective. You only have to look at the amount of vacancies there are with GAA managers now at the moment.

"At the end of the day there's very little reward because a lot of these counties, with respect, are never going to be competitive at the highest level with the current structures that are there.

"I can understand why we're looking at it and it probably does need to be bottomed out because I'm not sure how sustainable it is for people to have a working 9-5 role and be a manager of an inter-county football or hurling team."

The introduction of new rules has undoubtedly added to the workload for managers, and while it may quell over time as players adjust, it's clear that players are seeking more from management teams in preparation for matches.

That is unlikely to dip any time soon, even if the season is shorter under the split model of inter-county and then club.

Sherlock believes that is telling: "I think the players have set the standards and they're constantly looking to improve and become better.

"From a management perspective then you have to kind of respect that.

"You have to be better and you have to give them the information, the feedback and the data that they look for.

"That all takes time, so if that's the way the game is going, [the workload will remain or grow].

"Again you only have to look at the All-Ireland final as a spectacle. Whenever a game is played the right way, it is one of the best games in the world so I have no problem with players and managers wanting to be the best that they can be.

"I suppose that has to be balanced in terms of our association and what's sustainable.

"At the end of the day what I've always loved about GAA is that if you were willing to give the time and the effort, there was a place for you.

"Unfortunately now players and coaches have to make that call on whether they can do this and balance everything else that's in their life."

Sherlock has not ruled out a step back into inter-county coaching as he plots the next stage of his career, having had a successful period with his native Dublin and also with Westmeath.

"I've always said I'm a student of sport," he explained.

"I love sport, I really enjoy it and obviously I have a big draw to GAA.

"I have my views and philosophies on that. It's great being involved in a GAA environment but the balance to that is it's a lot of time. It's a lot of sacrifice. It's a lot of commitment.

"I'm obviously very curious and I've no doubt, no matter what I do, sport will be a big part of my future."

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