Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 2:16pm

Carr yet to bite the bullet

by Paul Fitzpatrick

Tommy Carr being interviewed after the Cork match.
Pic by==: 97

Contrary to reports in the national media, The Anglo-Celt can confirm that, at the time of going to print, Tommy Carr has not officially tendered his resignation as Cavan senior football manager.

Tipperary native Carr addressed the players after the Cork match, thanking them, his backroom staff and the board for their effort. However, it is understood that he stopped short of announcing that he would step down, although it appears extremely likely that he will.

Carr's tenure as Breffni bainisteoir ended in the worst possible fashion when his side were trounced by 18 points by Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh last Saturday.

Speaking after the match, Carr refused to be drawn on his future, stating merely that he had spoken with county chairman Tom Reilly and wouldn't be making any immediate announcement.

County board PRO Declan Woods confirmed that Carr hadn't officially made contact with the board in relation to the matter.

"Tommy has most definitely not contacted the board as of yet," stated Woods yesterday (Tuesday).

While an official statement has not been forthcoming as of yet, sources close to the Cavan camp have stated that the tone and content of Carr's speech in Cork left those present in no doubt that he would be stepping down.

Carr took over as manager in October 2008 and had a championship record of three wins and four losses. He famously survived a heave from the clubs last July when the executive of the Cavan county board made a u-turn on an earlier decision of to seek Carr's resignation and came out in support of the management team.

However, a vote of no confidence was proposed and seconded by delegates from the floor. Prior to the vote being taken, however, a large number of delegates expressed concern that they had not received a mandate from their clubs on how to vote. When the meeting reconvened a week later, the mood had changed and Carr survived, with the support of the senior squad proving crucial at the time.

Twelve months later and with another disappointing season behind us, it appears as if Carr has reached the end of the road with Cavan. If he decides to remain, which appears highly unlikely at this stage, it is thought that he would now not have the support of the county's 40 clubs.

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