Cork manager Brian Cuthbert steps down after championship exit
In the post-match interviews on Allianz League semi-final day, Cork manager Brian Cuthbert spoke of the importance of coping with big tests (Sportsfile)
Cork football manager Brian Cuthbert has stepped down from his role according to a report in this morning's Irish Examiner.
The Rebels exited the championship following a second loss in a week, with an eight-point defeat to Kildare on Saturday following a Munster final replay defeat to neighbours Kerry.
Both defeats saw below-par performances from the Rebels and Cuthbert's reign will be remembered for some chastening defeats. Cork surrendered an eight-point half-time lead to Dublin in last year's National League semi-final before losing by seven to the eventual winners, and subsequently lost by 12 points at home to Kerry in the Munster final, before bowing out to Mayo in the last eight.
Cork reached the National League Final in April only to be defeated by the Dubs again, this time by 13 points in Croke Park.
Fionn Fitzgerald rescued a draw for the Kingdom with a last-gasp draw in Killarney, but Cuthbert's charges failed to reach similar heights in the replay and in last weekend's qualifier defeat.
The Examiner reports that Cuthbert has decided not to seek another year in charge, with the Cork County Board yet to make an official announcement. Cuthbert took charge after Conor Counihan stood down as manager in 2013.