The Future for Laois Football

[Saint88]

We don't have a manager so they're hardly back training.

[High Fielder]

I'd say you're right Saint. Looking like another desperation appointment and a rushed preparation for the new season. Truly hopeless

[Laois Rising]

You'd swear by this forum that the appointment of a county manager is an easy business. The county board could make a quick appointment as we know certain names who would be keen to take the job. However, are they of a calibre that will improve things at present. Their track records would suggest not.

Unfortunately, the Laois job is not overly enticing at this present time. Those working on selecting a manager I'm sure behind the scenes are liaising with potential candidates and trying to provide a package that will entice someone of calibre to give the job a crack. I would rather they take the time to find someone right than make a quick appointment simply to have it done.

I would also suggest that Mickey Harte making the surprise decision to step away from Louth may have inadvertently impacted on Laois' recruitment plan.       

[High Fielder]

Thanks for pointing out the blaringly obvious Laois Rising. You'd think reading your post that they haven't made a dog's dinner of the last two appointments.

Were we really waiting that long on Ger Brennan? Unlikely. If so, thank God for Mickey Harte. Never liked Brennan

[The Boy Wonder]

We all know Laois football is in a bad place and it's hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel right now.
High Fielder - any views on whether an inside or outside manager might be best option ? What goals do you think are achievable for our senior football team in the short term under a competent management team ?

[High Fielder]

Zero expectations whatsoever from my point of view. Something approaching functionality would do for me. It appears even that is too much to expect. Give it to whoever wants it at this stage. It's not like it could get any worse

[recyclebin]

Down to 4 candidates according to Laoistoday:
Arles-Killeen's Billy O'Loughlin, Courtwood's Eddie Kinsella, Former Laois player and current Laois Gaels Chairman, O'Dempsey's Leo Turley, and former Naas and Thomas Davis (Dublin) manager Paul Kelly.

[Zooming around]

Down to 4 candidates according to Laoistoday:
Arles-Killeen's Billy O'Loughlin, Courtwood's Eddie Kinsella, Former Laois player and current Laois Gaels Chairman, O'Dempsey's Leo Turley, and former Naas and Thomas Davis (Dublin) manager Paul Kelly.

Who'd be favourite there? Kinsella??

[Tintin84]

I heard it's down to two, Kinsella and O'Loughlin and O'Loughlin is expected to get the nod. For the life of me, I am not sure how O'Loughlin can get it he got ran out of Sarsfield in Kildare ran out of Longford, I suppose just goes to show how desperate the county board are. Lots of exits to from county from last year, Paddy O'Sullivan, Colm Murphy, Robbie Piggot all going travelling.

[Laoiseabu]

I've heard about Robbie Piggott , Colm Murphy and Paddy OSullivan going travelling . Any more names that are not committing?

[High Fielder]

I heard it's down to two, Kinsella and O'Loughlin and O'Loughlin is expected to get the nod. For the life of me, I am not sure how O'Loughlin can get it he got ran out of Sarsfield in Kildare ran out of Longford, I suppose just goes to show how desperate the county board are. Lots of exits to from county from last year, Paddy O'Sullivan, Colm Murphy, Robbie Piggot all going travelling.

In fairness, he did ok in Longford. I suppose overseeing a win against Laois got him some sort of leverage. I'm afraid to say it but beggars can't be choosers, and we're begging.

[GAAFan2003]

Trevor Collins is going travelling too. Presume Mark Timmons will step away. Not sure about Paul Kingston and Kieran Lillis. Rumours that Evan O'Carroll and Eoin Lowry aren't committing either. Its not an enviable job. 

[The Saint]

You know, if even half of the above posts are to be believed (about who's committing or not) then I'm going to ask the question... should we honestly consider withdrawing our Senior football team from the championship/league. And before anyone jumps down my neck.. I think A) it'd for once and for all expose the complete apathy that exists in the county at the minute, B) it'd give the county a clean start to channel a lot or all of the available funding into where its clearly needed, underage C) it'd make the GAA sit up and realise how f*cked the whole model is now.. the imbalance between the haves and have nots, the population disparity, the funding disparity, and so on. I honestly believe at some point in the next couple of years some county is going to take this drastic measure. Now, away ye go..let fly 

[High Fielder]

I agree 100 per cent. Unfortunately,  that won't facilitate our CB officers in their quest for loftier positions. It's just a game. The players are pawns

[Smellyball]

You know, if even half of the above posts are to be believed (about who's committing or not) then I'm going to ask the question... should we honestly consider withdrawing our Senior football team from the championship/league. And before anyone jumps down my neck.. I think A) it'd for once and for all expose the complete apathy that exists in the county at the minute, B) it'd give the county a clean start to channel a lot or all of the available funding into where its clearly needed, underage C) it'd make the GAA sit up and realise how f*cked the whole model is now.. the imbalance between the haves and have nots, the population disparity, the funding disparity, and so on. I honestly believe at some point in the next couple of years some county is going to take this drastic measure. Now, away ye go..let fly 

Absolutely, I can't think  of a better way to close the gap to the top counties than just not playing