Noel Connors: Derek McGrath exit would be a big blow

Noel Connors has known Derek McGrath long enough not to try and guilt-trip him, but the Passage man believes Waterford hurling will suffer should he step down.

McGrath, having concluded a fourth season in charge, will take time out to consider his future and Connors hopes he opts to remain on for 2018.

Asked if it would be a blow if his former De La Salle College teacher quits, the 27-year-old said: “Absolutely. I think everybody is well aware of what he’s done over the last four years, it’s been phenomenal. From where we were, formerly a team that were struggling, really, really struggling for form — and we certainly weren’t consistent as a team.