TIPPERARY SENIOR HURLING manager Michael Ryan hopes to present a backroom team for ratification at next week’s county board meeting – and morning speculation is linking Jason Ryan with a surprise role in the new set-up.
The former Wexford and Kildare football boss would an appointment out of left field but he was linked with the hurling post in his native Waterford in recent years.
It remains to be seen, however, if the Ryan link is merely speculation or if there’s anything more concrete in it.
His name has been mentioned in local circles in recent days but other sources have indicated that Michael Ryan’s new backroom team is comprised entirely of Tipperary men.
It is understood that 2010 All-Ireland winners Paul Curran and Declan Fanning are on board again for next season, with the link to Jason Ryan setting tongues wagging in the Premier County.
A former dual player at club level, Ryan played senior football in the colours of Waterford and is renowned as a coach with real tactical awareness.
While his background is predominantly football, the example of Laois man Mick Dempsey alongside Brian Cody in Kilkenny is a prime example of how a crossover between codes can work.
Next week’s board meeting may not see a new senior football team manager appointed, however, with football chiefs still on the hunt for a successor to Peter Creedon.
Mayo coach Donie Buckley was recently linked with the role but other candidates, including former Limerick and Laois boss Liam Kearns, are also under consideration, sources have indicated, with interviews due to begin shortly.
