Promotion not 'end of the world' for Clare, says Davy Fitzgerald

Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald said promotion to the top flight in the national league is not as vital as many people think.

His side host Limerick in a winner-takes-all Division 1B clash at revamped Cusack Park next Sunday when the victors will win promotion.

But Fitzgerald, whose side was relegated last season after winning just one of their five games, said featuring in the top flight was not all it was cracked up to be and that a team can possibly prepare better for the championship outside the top tier.

“You’d like it, but is promotion the end of the world? It’s not, and people can talk all the nonsense they want but you don’t have to be flat out as early in the year playing 1B.

“We haven’t been at our peak and we haven’t wanted to be, whereas if you are in 1A every single day is like a championship game,” said Fitzgerald.

His side made it four wins on the trot when they brushed Kerry aside at Cusack Park on Sunday and while Fitzgerald stressed they want to oust their neighbours on Sunday, he feels the structure of the league should be looked at.

“I would like a restructure but at the end of the day we will be doing everything we can next Sunday to be at our best, but we know the challenge ahead of us. I rate Limerick very highly,” he added.