Wee James Is The New Down Manager

[Craigyhill Terror]

Speculation is mounting that Aussie Rules star Martin Clarke is on the verge of making a permanent return to Ireland.

After making a huge impact in his first two seasons in the AFL, the 2005 Down All-Ireland minor winning captain has had a disappointing season with Collingwood, making only 12 appearances for the senior side and has been featuring for the second string in the Victorian League.

The Irish News reports that the 22-year-old's dip in form, coupled with homesickness, has left him seriously considering his options. And while he is unlikely to make any decision on his future until the AFL season finishes on September 26, there is already speculation that he could be seen in the Down colours next year.

If Clarke does decide to return home, it would soften the blow of the imminent departure of rising Down star Jamie O'Reilly, who is poised to join the Richmond Tigers as their first ever Irish recruit.

That is the operative word      The IN is not renowned for accurate reporting

I still have a lot of friends over there involved in Rules who say a few Irish lads will be home this year. Not necessarily Clarke. I'd be surprsied if he didn't give it another 12 months after his first season. Always got the impression from Clarke though that playing for Down meant more to him than anything else.
Some coup for Down if it did happen- could reignite football in the county.

I remember Tadgh Kennelly making similar shapes early in this career with Sydney Swans.  It resulted in a much improved contract for him.

Very accurate there from the Irish news, with James Colgan being captain 
Surely with another year remaining on his contract he couldn't just up and leave?

Hoganstand said he was the captain, not the Irish News

[niveaformen]

Speculation is mounting that Aussie Rules star Martin Clarke is on the verge of making a permanent return to Ireland.

After making a huge impact in his first two seasons in the AFL, the 2005 Down All-Ireland minor winning captain has had a disappointing season with Collingwood, making only 12 appearances for the senior side and has been featuring for the second string in the Victorian League.

The Irish News reports that the 22-year-old's dip in form, coupled with homesickness, has left him seriously considering his options. And while he is unlikely to make any decision on his future until the AFL season finishes on September 26, there is already speculation that he could be seen in the Down colours next year.

If Clarke does decide to return home, it would soften the blow of the imminent departure of rising Down star Jamie O'Reilly, who is poised to join the Richmond Tigers as their first ever Irish recruit.

That is the operative word      The IN is not renowned for accurate reporting

I still have a lot of friends over there involved in Rules who say a few Irish lads will be home this year. Not necessarily Clarke. I'd be surprsied if he didn't give it another 12 months after his first season. Always got the impression from Clarke though that playing for Down meant more to him than anything else.
Some coup for Down if it did happen- could reignite football in the county.

I remember Tadgh Kennelly making similar shapes early in this career with Sydney Swans.  It resulted in a much improved contract for him.

Very accurate there from the Irish news, with James Colgan being captain 
Surely with another year remaining on his contract he couldn't just up and leave?

Hoganstand said he was the captain, not the Irish News

My mistake sorry

[Leo]

I don't know much about Paddy Tally other than players generally like him as an innovative trainer.
Whetehr that qualifies him to become a county manager is another matter.
My main concern would be that he is too closely aligned to the outgoing management when a clean start is surely in the interests of the county.
There is no outstanding candidste in the county but I would not be opposed to wee James if he could put a solid backroom team together.

[WhoAreYaWhoAreYa!]

Paul Carroll

  Whatwhoishepaulcarroll?

Exactly..

[Logan]

I don't think Tally will get it - whether the players or not want him - don't think Down would go for an outsider
McGrath 'might' be good choice - but is it a step backwards?
McCartan could be the option if the backroom team is correct - in other words an older more experienced man alongside him
Long term McCartan would be the best choice I think

[johnneycool]

I don't think Tally will get it - whether the players or not want him - don't think Down would go for an outsider
McGrath 'might' be good choice - but is it a step backwards?
McCartan could be the option if the backroom team is correct - in other words an older more experienced man alongside him
Long term McCartan would be the best choice I think

Ask yourself which one is cheapest and therein lies the answer.

[Logan]

It's hardly McGrath, McCartan or Tally then

[interested]

It's hardly McGrath, McCartan or Tally then

  Frank Dawson then?

[Logan]

Some County Boards are keen to splash the cash, Down mustn't be!

Maybe Ross and DJ are the best option for them

[Logan]

Sarcasm my friend, sarcasm 

[man in black]

new Down manager ? Does it matter

[thewobbler]

Asking a serious question, should the players not have a voice in this decision?

Not a vote but a voice.

No matter who comes in, 18+ of last year's squad will be returning. Appointing someone who these players don't want would just be illogical, especially if their case is a solid one.

[Logan]

Asking a serious question, should the players not have a voice in this decision?

Not a vote but a voice.

No matter who comes in, 18+ of last year's squad will be returning. Appointing someone who these players don't want would just be illogical, especially if their case is a solid one.

Who are you thinking of?

[thewobbler]

Nobody in particular Logan.

I don't even know if I agree with the idea at all, but it does seem a bit strange that the people most directly affected by an appointment have no grounds for opinion at all. I guess the same thing happens in all sports though.

[Downboy]

Just spoke to Frank Dawson while pickin the wee lad up from school. Sadly not very informative. I got a no comment when I tried the direct approach. Suppose it means he isnt completely ruling it out though