Tipp to fight tooth and nail for Evans dual role

Jackie Cahill

January 27 2010 04:45 AM

TIPPERARY officials will fight tooth and nail to preserve the position of John Evans as the county's new Director of Football.

The newly created role hit a snag over the weekend when Croke Park declared that Evans cannot continue as both Director of Football and manager of the county's senior football team.

However, Tipp County Board chairman Barry O'Brien declared last night that Tipperary have broken no rules and that Evans should be free to continue his dual mandate.

Croke Park are basing their decision on a letter sent to all counties on December 15 last which contained a recommendation from the GAA's management committee, then passed by Central Council.

The recommendation relates to all employees employed on a full-time basis by the GAA as coaches, banning them from involvement in the management of inter-county teams.

Pat O'Shea took time out from his Munster Council role when he was manager of Kerry, but Tipperary insist that there is a fundamental difference with the Evans situation.

O'Brien said: "The difference here is that he (Evans) is not employed as a full-time coach, he's employed as Director of Football. That's different to being a coach and on that basis, I can't see why he's being precluded."

Tipp will argue for the retention of Evans in both roles as they see him as central to the implementation of a five-year plan for the county.