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First it was teams striking because they didn’t want their new manager; then it was teams striking because they wanted their manager to go. Now could we be about to see a team striking cos they want their manager back?

That’s the scenario in the ‘highly successful’ Monaghan camp where Seamus McEneaney, famous for wearing his heart on his sleeve, ‘emptying the tank’ and speaking in a thick hick accent that only the uneducated ear can pick up, has refused to allow his name into the ring for the vacant Monaghan position, all in a big huff with the County Board cos he wasn’t handed the job again on a plate. So there.

In the sort of toys out of the cot-ery for which the GAA is renowned, Banty was given encouragement by the County Board wonks that he would continue his spell in charge of the team, but then clubs were invited to nominate candidates. Banty did what any self righteous manager would do, he told them to go feck themselves and now he won’t let his name go forward for a job he patently wants and the players patently want him to resume.

Since, the players have come out in support, threatening all sorts if their demands aren’t met. Well, they would, wouldn’t they since they stand to retain their positions on the squad if the same manager returns. Former captain Damien Freeman has called on the Monaghan county board to do everything in their power to reinstate him.

“As players, we are very unhappy with the way our manager has been treated. We feel we have one of the best management teams in the country and cannot understand why we would be seeking nominations.”

Two things strike us about this ridiculous scenario. One, how do these boys know they have one of the best management teams in the country? They have yet to win anything despite Banty’s years in charge for all their chat. Secondly, it is of course in their interest to support the manager who has persevered with them through thick and thin.

I was reminded this week of a story (possibly apocryphal) of a number of Derry players calling at the house to implore their former school coach Adrian McGuckin to take the Derry job. McGuckin of course rebuffed their advances but also commented that half of the fellows on his doorstep wouldn’t have made his county panel if he were county manager.

Anyhow, we haven’t really had a winter of discontent for a while now that Donal Óg has come out and the Cork team are at ease with themselves. Let’s hope Monaghan make it a good one, without too many tears.