GAA: Rebels will come back a stronger side for this experience; MORGAN BACKS PLAYERS DEMAND.Byline: Jackie CAHILL FORMER Cork football boss Billy Morgan Billy Morgan, (born in Horwich), was an English football half back. In his early days, he played for Horwich FC. In January 1897, he was sold to Newton Heath. He would stay with Newton Heath until 1903 when he went to Bolton Wanderers F.C.. last night insisted: "The current crisis in the county has been brewing for years." Morgan led the Rebels to back to back All-Ireland titles in 1989 and 1990 and is in full support of the striking hurlers and footballers. "I think the players are right and I admire them for taking this stand," revealed the Nemo Rangers boss. "It's not easy because the players want to play - they're not looking for anything out of the ordinary." Both sets of players met last night to discuss their next move and to outline a joint strategy for negotiations with the county board. Newly appointed board chairman Jim Forbes A fourth-generation journalist, Jim Forbes (born April 1, 1955) may be best known culturally for his narration on VH1's , but he’s a multiple Emmy award-winning writer, producer and correspondent. explained: "They'll come back to me and we'll meet later this week." Cork chiefs have been accused of sweeping the matter under the carpet as it barely got an airing at Convention on Sunday. But Forbes added: "I didn't expect it to. It was dealt with last Tuesday and has been well documented in the media." Clonakilty's Tom Lyons expressed his amazement that the matter wasn't discussed and Forbes said: "Any person is entitled to make their views known, that's what delegates are for." Morgan believes the board "didn't really understand the needs of players" but allowing the county's new hurling hurling, outdoor ball and stick game similar to field hockey (see hockey, field). The national pastime of Ireland, it was played for many centuries before the Gaelic Athletic Association standardized the rules in 1884. boss the latitude to pick his own selectors is a "step in the right direction." He added: "When I was manager I didn't really have any complaints - things were good. "Dan Hoare (county board treasurer from 1988-1996) was very good - he looked after me and made sure nobody was out of pocket. "At that time training gear wasn't an issue, the players brought their own gear. "These current problems have been under the surface for years," Morgan insisted. "But I thought the board made a step in the right direction by allowing the incoming hurling manager to pick his own backroom back·room n. or back room 1. A room located at the rear. 2. The meeting place used by an inconspicuous controlling group. adj. 1. staff - I couldn't see that coming for a long, long time," he revealed. "I think that should be the way right across the board and I'm all for appointing a director of hurling and a director of football, answerable an·swer·a·ble adj. 1. Subject to being called to answer; accountable. See Synonyms at responsible. 2. That can be answered or refuted: an answerable charge. 3. to the board." Morgan is hopeful of a speedy resolution to the current crisis and added: "Things are going in the right direction and Cork could be stronger than ever for this. Angry hurlers set the wheel in motion by withdrawing their services at a Cork press conference last Friday week. It's a move that didn't surprise Morgan and he knew the footballers would follow suit in a show of solidarity. "The board were reporting that discussions were going well and there was no hassle but that was not the case. "The hurlers had become so frustrated, they tried to work things out but had to go public. "They were excellent and came across brilliantly. "The footballers have the same grievances so that was a natural progression," Morgan said. "I'd be very hopeful of a resolution at this stage - the board just didn't understand the anger among the players but they're learning." CAPTION(S): PEACE HOPES: Cork chairman, Jim Forbes, (centre) meeting players; SUPPORT: Former Cork boss Billy Morgan; VICTORY JIG Victory Jig is a phrase describing the celebration of a victory or success with a little dance, shuffle, body movement, skip, or spring in the step. It is most common in sports, but has also appeared in the political sphere (See David Trimble). : Nemo Rangers players celebrate |
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