Magee’s future as manager in doubt

Ratification process is postponed for a week

JOHNNY Magee’s future as Wicklow Senior Football Manager is uncertain as delegates at the county board meeting on Monday night voted to postpone the ratification process for seven days, citing a lack of time to consult with their club members.

That decision followed a discussion about Johnny Magee’s position as county manager with the chairman of Rathnew, Bobby Dignam, opposed to Magee’s reappointment.

Chairman of the County Board Martin Coleman looked for a proposer for the management team of Johnny Magee, PJ Cunningham and Paddy Dalton but Dignam spoke first, outlining his reasons against Magee.

“In two years that man has won four matches, and that’s out of twenty four. Training five nights a week in the winter, who authorised this?

“We haven’t a player on the field that can kick the ball over the bar. I’m of the opinion that the man is no good and I’ve maintained here all along that we would have to go back to our own men.”

In response, Kiltegan’s John Timmons and Éire Óg’s Gerry Walsh said their county players were quite happy with Magee as manager.

The discussion progressed on to the county players being available to clubs on a more regular basis but it was pointed out that this was an issue with previous managers and is an issue in other counties.

Soon it became clear certain delegates felt they weren’t given enough notice of the meeting’s agenda and would like a chance to meet with their club members. A vote was taken with the majority of delegates voting to postpone the decision for a week.