DUBLIN HURLER DANNY Sutcliffe says it’s of the utmost importance that the county board find the right man to replace outgoing boss Anthony Daly.
Daly stood down after six years in charge, where he elevated both the standard and expectations within the county, leading them to the NHL Division 1 title in 2001 and to victory over Galway in the Leinster SHC final last year.
“You can’t rush it really if it is going to be a two or three year deal so I suppose this time of year it is alright, but soon you will want to get back and planning and looking forward to next year.
“The county board are looking after it and doing their job and the selection process. I’m excited now just to get someone in and get going and get working again and planning for the year ahead. Hopefully it’s a good one.
“It’s massive. I don’t think people realise how important it is the county board get this appointment right. If they see what it was for us, to be brought up with Anthony Daly. Like, we’re losing enough (players) as it is, but it could be an option there – what a great set-up it is, look at the manager they have.
“It’s a ‘pull’ factor for the kids. The lads coming through who are now 15, 16, that we could be playing with in two or three years. And, if that’s not there, sure why would you go play when you’ve Jim Gavin with the football winning you All-Irelands.
Sutcliffe has nothing but praise for the Clareman, who has been the only manager he was worked under at senior level with Dublin. The 22-year-old was an Allstar winner last year and credits much of his progress as a hurler to Daly’s influence.
“It’s tough not to be biased because all I know is Anthony Daly and how he worked. I owe everything in my development to him and how he brought me from a minor through to a starter on the senior team. I owe it all to him and he knows that as well, but like anything times change and so do set ups.
“I’m just looking forward to a new challenge and a fresh start for everyone. No one can be comfortable, not that they were, but it’s a great opportunity for minors and lads who are going well with their clubs
“The lads in my club know that as well and it’s the same for those minors from All-Ireland finals (in 2011 and 2012). The new man in will want to be putting his own blueprint in, so everyone should be pushing in the challenge matches that I’d say will happen when the new man comes in.”
Here’s the semi-final details for the Kerry and Dublin senior football championships
Cork Kilkenny Valentine’s Day date – here’s the planned 2015 hurling league fixtures
