The Irish Examiner are reporting this evening that Davy Fitzgerald is to step down from the Clare hurlers within the next forty-eight hours.
The Clare People last night reported that the players are due to meet this evening to discuss the future direction of the group. The report states that, while the relationship between players and manager is still quite good, some players from within the group have expressed a desire for change.
Clare players meet to discuss Davy Fitzgeralds future. Todays Clare People #claregaa #GAA #hurling pic.twitter.com/eWWXFEPfoU
— The Clare People (@clarepeople) September 20, 2016
Fitzgerald has another year left in his tenure with Clare: twelve months which he now looks unlikely to fulfill. Despite this, Fitzgerald admitted last month that he was unsure whether he would be the Clare manager next year, telling an RTE Radio One documentary that:
I don't know what I want to do. Last year I knew 100% what I want(ed) to do.
I could see myself managing someone else, do something different. Because I love hurling so much.
There has already been some upheaval behind the scenes. Coach Paul Kinnerk has left to take up a role with Limerick for next year, and more could yet come: Podge Collins has confirmed that he will only play one code next year, although has yet to confirm whether it will be hurling or football.
Fitzgerald led Clare to the 2013 All-Ireland, but has had little success since then. Clare lost in the Munster semi-finals to Waterford this year, before losing to Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
The Examiner report that Fitzgerald is currently on holiday in the U.S., and will release a statement over the next couple of days.
[Irish Examiner]
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