Holland Steps Down

15th Feb 2008

Holland Steps Down
Finbarr Barry

Teddy Holland and his pro-county board selectors have "stepped down" from their management positions following the ruling of an independent arbitrator.

Both players' representatives and the county board agreed during the week to binding arbitration with negotiator Kieran Mulvey, who had made two failed attempts to resolve the situation by mediation.

Holland was appointed by the Cork County Board to manage the Cork football team under a system whereby he would not be allowed to choose his own selectors. The removal of the manager to pick his own selectors was said to have deterred several other candidates from apply for the job.

The players sent a letter to the County Secretary, Frank Murphy before Holland's appointment saying that they would not cooperate with any manager appointed under a system where they would not be allowed to pick their own selectors. The County Board decided to ignore the players' concerns and appointed Holland leading to the stand off.

Two marches by supporters in favour of the players' stance took place in Cork City, further adding to the pressure on the Cork County Board who had claimed, possibly at the suggestion of certain journalists that the public were on their side.

Much to the distress of players representatives through out the negotiations, County Board officials leaked confidential documents to the media and made a number of inflammatory comments during interviews. The remarkable unity among the hurling and football squads was a testament to the players' determination to demand the best conditions possible to bring All Ireland success to the Rebel County.

A new football manager will be appointed by a seven member committee consisting of five county board officials and two players.