Dublin ‘plan B on thin ground’ if Gilroy decides to quit

DUBLIN GAA chief Andy Kettle has admitted ‘Plan B is thin on the ground’ if Pat Gilroy doesn’t agree to stay on tonight.

Kettle last night dismissed reports that All-Ireland winning football manager Gilroy has already confirmed that he’s returning for 2012.

Rather, county chairman Kettle insisted a final decision won’t be relayed to officials until shortly before this evening’s county board meeting.

It’s clearly a tense situation and one that Kettle conceded has the potential to blow up in Dublin’s face.

He said reports of Gilroy’s guaranteed return were well off and stated categorically there has been ‘no agreement as of yet’.

Gilroy is scheduled to host the press tomorrow when, according to Kettle, he’ll explain whatever decision is relayed to the county board tonight.

“Whether it’s a yay or a nay, it will go to the county committee at eight o’clock,” said Kettle, who accepted that it would be big trouble if Gilroy were to resign seven weeks before the new year.

“Absolutely and Plan B is thin on the ground.

“There are ramifications in that the U21s need a manager and you cannot ask anybody to take it because the people who would be in the front line for that, if Pat doesn’t take it, would then consider themselves prime candidates for the top job.”

The role of coach Mickey Whelan in the management team has been speculated upon as a potential reason for the delay. Whelan signalled his intention to retire weeks ago though Gilroy is known to be a huge admirer of his St Vincent’s club mate.

“It’s Pat and Pat only that we’re talking about at the moment, not the backroom,” said Kettle. “When he [Pat] makes his decision, if it’s positive, he’ll be looking at his own backroom situation. If it’s negative it’ll be a different ball game and it’s not something I’d be looking forward to in November.”

Speaking after yesterday’s county final success, St Brigid’s and Dublin midfielder Barry Cahill expressed optimism about Gilroy staying on.

“Mickey Whelan is not involved at the moment but that might change in the new year,” said Cahill.

Meanwhile Brigid’s joint manager Gerry McEntee praised defender Sean Murray who held Bernard Brogan to a point from play in the Dublin county final. “In fairness to Sean, he is training with the Dublin team and is a very committed fella and has got great character. We knew if we gave him a job that he’d do it to the best of his ability.”

While losing Plunkett’s manager Mick Galvin admitted: “Bernard didn’t have one of his better games in front of goals but he kept trying. It’s just one of those things. You have to score.”