FORMER KILKENNY GREAT JJ Delaney believes that a big performance is needed from Cork’s players on Saturday for manager Kieran Kingston to hang on to his job.
Kingston’s Rebels have turned in a string of poor performances this season and the Round 1 qualifier clash with Dublin could be a breaking point if there aren’t significant improvements.
“The attitude of the players and how they perform on Saturday will determine whether Kieran gets another year or not,” said Delaney.
Cork find themselves trying to plot a route through the back door after crashing out of the Munster championship against Tipperary, with Kingston receiving plenty of criticism for the tactics he used on the day.
“If they go down like they did against Tipperary, I can’t see a future for him to be honest,” the seven-time All-Star said.
If they have a bit of fight back, a bit of heart back into their play, I’d definitely give him another year.
“If your head is not right and if the manager cannot get the team and players right for a knockout game by going out with the attitude that ‘We will keep the score down here,’ then I don’t think there is a future.”
The Leesiders will be looking to make amends for the 4-21 to 2-17 beating they received against Dublin in Croke Park during the league when they meet again tomorrow evening.
“It’s do or die,” Delaney said.
I don’t think both teams wanted this draw to be honest with you. They’d rather have an easier draw and get through to the next qualifier and set your stall out after that.
“I think the Cork crowd will come out and support. I know they are in a bad place at the moment but I can see them coming out and supporting them, especially because it’s a home game on a Saturday night.
“Dublin will have to nullify that crowd as well if they are going on to win the game too.”
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