Stephen Cluxton's return to the Dublin squad has caused plenty of debate in recent days.
While the majority of the county's supporters are excited about arguably the greatest goalkeeper in Gaelic football history coming back into the fold, questions have rightly been asked about what this means for the long-term future of the team.
Considering his physical condition, you'd imagine that Cluxton still has plenty to offer to the Dubs. In saying that, you would have to wonder what effect it could have on the other goalkeepers on the panel. After all, the Parnells man has been away from the group for over two years and could now usurp them from the team ahead of the championship.
Pat Spillane labels Stephen Cluxton return as a 'joke'
Pat Spillane certainly does not see the move as a positive for Dublin.
Writing in the Sunday World, he wondered why Stephen Cluxton was not simply added to Dessie Farrell's management team instead of potentially rocking the boat by returning in a playing capacity.
I imagine I wasn’t alone in thinking it was April Fool’s Day when news filtered through from Croke Park last Sunday that Stephen Cluxton was in the Dublin squad.
I know he is a superb leader and goalkeepers can operate well into their 40s these days. I know, too, this could be the most open All-Ireland Championship since 2010. So, it’s all about marginal gains.
But I don’t see why Cluxton couldn’t just be added to the management team, where his expertise would be invaluable.
Why embarrass the current goalkeepers Shane O’Hanlon and Evan Comerford – even if the latter is injured – by suddenly parachuting Cluxton back into the squad.
And what kind of message is his return sending out to all the young goalkeepers who dream of making it into the Dublin squad?
This could come back to haunt me before the end of the summer, but right now I regard Cluxton’s return as a joke.
Strong words from the Kerry legend.
All of this will be forgotten if Stephen Cluxton is part of an All-Ireland winning campaign this summer, although you would have to question Dessie Farrell's long-term vision for the side as a result of this move.
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