Anthony Cunningham should stay, says Galway chairman
Galway chairman Noel Treacy, who had to use his casting vote a year ago to ensure Cunningham remained in charge this season, believes he is still the right man for the job.
Cunningham was granted a one-year extension which expired with Sunday’s All-Ireland final loss to Kilkenny, and Treacy is anxious the St Thomas’ man remains in charge for a fifth year.
“What we need is continuity. We are close, very close, and the last thing we need at this stage is changing the manager again.
“Changing the manager means changing players and then you have to start all over again.
“It has taken three years to build a team and get back to a final. Nine of those lads last Sunday were playing in their first All-Ireland final. I would say we are about 5% short of where we need to be to win an All-Ireland.
“I believe Anthony and his management team are the ones to lead us to that.
“I had to use my casting vote last year for him to stay in charge; the vote was three-three whether he should go or stay.
“I think the decision to keep him in charge was vindicated. We have made progress, a lot of progress,” said Treacy.
The Galway chairman said the matter would be raised at a county committee meeting at the end of the month.
But he is hopeful the former double All-Ireland winner will remain at the helm for 2016.
“We haven’t spoken to Anthony about it, that wouldn’t be fair.
“He is as disappointed as anyone with Sunday, he and his management team, along the players, have put in an enormous effort all year.
“We need to give them a bit of space.
“We know we need to improve but we are not far off it and I hope that Anthony and his management team stay in place.
“Hopefully this time next year we will be celebrating a long overdue All-Ireland win.
“I have never seen as many Galway people at a match as last Sunday.
“They deserve success and I believe they will get to enjoy before too long,” added Treacy.
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