Waterford player power forces Ryan out

Player power was the reason behind Waterford manager Michael Ryan’s decision yesterday not to seek a third season in charge.

The Irish Examiner has been reliably informed a delegation of the 2012 squad approached the county board last week seeking a change in management following a players’ meeting.

The majority of the panel met in the Ramada Hotel yesterday morning where Ryan’s position was discussed and voted on, with approximately 20 of 28 players understood to have voted against the Ballymacarbry man.

It was at the same venue where members of the 2008 panel met when a majority of them expressed a vote of no confidence in Justin McCarthy, which led to his decision to step down.

In a one-line statement released during the first half of yesterday’s All-Ireland semi-final, county board PRO Emer Barry wrote: “Michael Ryan has officially informed Waterford County Board that he will not be seeking the position of Senior Hurling Team Manager for 2014.”

Ryan, who had initially wished to stay on, was expected to receive an extension to his two-year term. It was thought he was interested in another two-year deal.

Waterford chairman Tom Cunningham said last night: “It did take me by surprise. In his two years there, he did a lot for Waterford hurling. He was a gentleman who a lot of hard work and he did a lot behind the scenes for Waterford hurling. As far as the county board was concerned, he was very easy to get on with. It will be on the agenda for the September meeting of the county board. The board will now decide the format to select a new manager.”

Meanwhile, former Antrim boss Dinny Cahill has been touted as a possible replacement for Mattie Kenny as Galway coach and selector.

The Galway hurling board confirmed yesterday the review into Anthony Cunningham’s position as manager will not be impacted by the decision of Kenny to resign over the weekend.

Kenny stepped away from the management team headed up by Cunningham and which also includes former All Star Tom Helebert.

Galway hurling officials are to sit down with Cunningham in the next week or so.

Chairman Joe Byrne said: “The review will take a few weeks and we hope to sit down with Anthony in the next week or so.

“Mattie announced on Friday that he was stepping away from his role but, obviously, the review will continue.”