Tipp chief optimistic Evans will stay on as manager

A TOP Tipperary official says he’s optimistic John Evans will remain on as county football team boss for another term despite the GAA top brass blocking his appointment as Director of Football.

Tipperary had hoped that the Kerry native would be able to operate in the dual role of county team manager and Director of Football, but their plans were shot down by the Croke Park authorities.

However, Tipperary Board secretary Tim Floyd feels there’s a very good chance that Evans, who led his charges to promotion to Division Three and Division Two in successive seasons, will continue at the helm.

“Obviously, John and ourselves had hoped that he could do both jobs, but we have to accept that won’t be sanctioned by Croke Park,” said Floyd.

“But despite that, we’re still hopeful that John will remain on as manager of the county football team for at least another 12 months.

“He has accomplished a huge amount for Tipperary football in the three years he has been with us, and hopefully we will continue to have the benefit of his enthusiasm, drive and expertise for some time to come.”

Evans had been appointed by the Tipperary County Board as part of their plans to implement a development programme for football, over 10 years. He committed for a three-year term, but he would also continue as manager of the senior team, along with the U21 and intermediate sides.

The GAA shot down Tipperary’s plans because they claimed it is impossible to differentiate between the hours and obligations of the full-time paid position as director of football and the part-time voluntary position of a county manager. Floyd admitted that he hadn’t been talking with Evans, whose side were relegated to Division Three last April, in the aftermath of the All-Ireland Qualifiers’ defeat by Dublin, at Croke Park, on July 10.

But he added he felt that shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign that the Kerry man was having second thoughts about continuing at the Premier County helm.

“We won’t be doing anything about the team management for all our county teams until after the All-Ireland (hurling) final (against Kilkenny on September 6),” he pointed out.

“So no doubt, after that, we’ll be talking to John about the situation regarding next year. We’re still optimistic that football can be considerably strengthened in the county as we already have five full-time people engaged in the promotion of the game – one Games’ Development Manager, and four Games’ Development Officers.”