Offaly players back under-fire football boss

Offaly's top football players have come out strongly in defence of their manager Paul O'Kelly.

O'Kelly's tenure has come under review just eight months after he was appointed for a three-year term.

O'Kelly was told he could resign or be fired last weekend but his top players are outraged with the move ahead of tonight's County Board meeting.

"I wasn't consulted on this," said midfielder Ciaran McManus. "I've spoken to Cathal Daly, Finbarr Cullen, Vinnie Claffey, Barry Mooney and none of them were consulted either. The whole thing seems ridiculous."