Tompkins scoffs at Tipperary job link rumours

LARRY TOMPKINS has laughed off suggestions that he is poised to take over as football manager in Tipperary.

Speculation yesterday indicated that Tompkins could be in line to replace Tom McGlinchey as Premier county boss less than a month after quitting his Cork post.

But Tompkins dismissed the link out of hand yesterday, labelling the speculation "irresponsible and embarrassing."

"I have had no contact whatsoever with anyone from the Tipperary County Board, and I'm sure they're as bemused by this as I am. It's grossly irresponsible for people to be making these claims without a shred of evidence."

He said when he left the Rebel hot-seat after seven years in charge that he would be taking a year out to enjoy football once more as a spectator.

"I have no intention of getting involved in management for the time being. I want to take time out and take stock.

"Maybe somewhere in the future, but definitely not at present," he said last night.

Former Offaly manager Paul O'Kelly was also linked to the job after his acrimonious split with the Faithful county. McGlinchey stood down from the post following the Premier County's Qualifier defeat to Donegal in Croke Park this year.

Meanwhile, Dublin GAA chiefs have decided to dispense with the county's traditional castle crested jerseys in favour of a revamped model for the upcoming 2004 season in a bid to beat imitations of their famed jersey.

The Metropolitans will wear a brand new strip for the upcoming league and championship campaigns, replete with an all-new crest.

The new crest will feature insignia representing all four local authority divisions, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, South Dublin and Dublin City.

Despite the decision to go for a new look, the Dubs have decided to stay loyal to O'Neills and sponsors Arnotts, - and to the famous blue.

"We've had to move to create a new licensed crest due to the sheer amount of imitation tops springing up.

"We have no copyright control over the current crest.

"It's pretty much a coat of arms for the city but we hope the new crest will represent all four regions in Dublin," Dublin secretary John Costelloe explained.