SECRET TO CODY’S SUCCESS AND WHY HE WILL PASS FERGIE’S 27-YEAR REIGN

‘He’ll tell you himself, there is absolutely no secret. Just hard work. He has created such an atmosphere there where all the players are afraid of him. He has created this business-like atmosphere where everybody is there to do a job and work hard.

‘Look at players coming off in a match. You’d never see Brian Cody shaking a fella’s hand. It’s just business. Inter-county hurling, you’re just a number, just a stat. ’

Cody (right) is in his 20th season. Arsène Wenger lasted 22 with Arsenal, Alex Ferguson 27 with Manchester United. Can his term outlast them all? ‘Cody’s there for the next decade! One hundred per cent. Because he loves it. Puts in unbelievable amount of hours. It’s just his life really. He’s retired as a principal; it’s his passion.’