Three managers in need of a good league campaign

John Fogarty examines three managers who will need to put a high priority on league results...

Kieran Kingston (Cork)

A historic championship exit at the hands of Wexford last year could be traced to a poor league — Cork finished bottom of Division 1A having lost all five matches. There was brief respite in a relegation final win but come championship, Cork’s tactical mishmash and lack of depth condemned them. Kingston will have appreciated Cork looked confused, as they did the season before under Jimmy Barry-Murphy. Nobody expects miracles, but the intensity they brought in Páirc Uí Rinn against Kilkenny last March is what supporters will expect against Clare on home turf Sunday, and in every game this spring. The lack of bite in Cork’s play has been sorely at odds with what the top four have been providing.