Top managers throw weight behind pre-season proposition

TWO of the GAA’s most high profile managers have backed preliminary plans to replace the current close season with a pre-season devoted to strength and conditioning work.

Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald and Meath football boss Seamus McEnaney have given their backing to the proposal, which is currently being discussed by the GAA’s medical and welfare committee and the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA).

As committee member Dr Pat Duggan revealed last week, the idea would be to emulate the IRFU’s treatment of centrally contracted players and give them an extended pre-season to ensure their bodies are ready for the league campaigns.