Gaynor says Tipp tactics frustrating fans

Former Tipperary manager Len Gaynor admits supporters are frustrated by the experimentation in the team’s make-up and style.

The two-time All-Ireland winning half-back says Sunday’s defeat of Clare has given no clear indication of what way the county will line out against Limerick in the June 1 Munster semi-final.

A former Clare boss, Gaynor was impressed by the size of the travelling contingent among the Thurles attendance, which reportedly outnumbered the home support.

He does not suggest Tipperary fans stayed away and understands his Kilruane McDonaghs’ clubmate Eamon O’Shea’s need for trial and error.

However, he reasoned those who saw their team go down to Clare aren’t any wiser about the complexion of their best 15.

“Tipperary were disappointing and supporters were obviously disappointed as well. It’s early March but we’re midway through the league and you’d expect the team to be settling but obviously the selectors are trying different guys in different places. That unsettles a team and they were very unsettled against Clare.

“The formation didn’t seem to be good and they didn’t seem to have any real strategy of placement or who was in the pivotal positions.

“People are realistic as well. They know the league is the league and if you don’t win it, it’s not the end of the world. But we as supporters would like to see Tipp win or at least get to the final.

“Eamon O’Shea has consistently said his main aim is the Championship and the first game, so we’ll have to take him at his word and it’s obvious he’s still trying out players in different positions.”

Tipperary’s style has also been a worry, and Gaynor warned there is an over-elaboration of short passing around the full-back line.

“They’re obviously playing a keep-ball game. Probably what’s upsetting people maybe is not the short puck-out to a player who is free but when the goalie makes a save and then tries to pass it to somebody outside of him.

“The backs are probably after being under pressure enough with the ball already.”

“People might feel they’re overdoing the passing in defence. It’s alright from the half-back line up.”