Jordan ‘retirement’ merely internet gossip, says Harte

TYRONE manager Mickey Harte claims internet gossip is to blame for reports that All Star defender Philip Jordan has retired.

Jordan, 30, made his first appearance of the season as a sub in last Sunday’s win over Kildare after an extended winter break and personal rehabilitation programme. The three-time All-Ireland medallist took a similar break early last year following hip surgery and just last week claimed that he felt ‘fresh’ after the time off.

However, less than 24 hours after the victory over Kildare which strengthened Tyrone’s promotion bid ahead of this weekend’s final round of games, a local website dedicated to Tyrone GAA cast doubt on Jordan’s future.

According to the website article, ‘If the latest rumours are to be believed it seems a distinct possibility that Sunday’s substitute appearance against Kildare may well have been Philip Jordan’s last game for Tyrone’.

Sources in Tyrone claim that Jordan will consider his situation this week and it’s understood that he wasn’t present for county training last night.

Jordan was unavailable for comment throughout yesterday but boss Harte left little room for uncertainty, insisting that the Moy club man is still very much part of the panel and blamed internet users for the rumours.

“That’s not true (regarding retirement), it’s an internet thing at the minute, there’s no other story to it,” said a clearly irritated Harte.

It’s hardly the best preparation for Sunday’s final round League tie in Navan where Tyrone must beat Meath, and hope Donegal do them a favour against Laois, to gain promotion back to the top flight. Asked if Jordan is available for the game, Harte replied: “He’s fit and ready to go next weekend”.