Bannigan: ‘Older players’ wanted a clean slate

Former Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan has claimed that “older members” of the Monaghan panel had called for a “clean slate”.

The Aughnamullen man was speaking to Newstalk’s Off the Ball this morning.

He said that he was speaking to Monaghan County Board didn’t want a change of management, which is why, six weeks ago, he was mandated to make additions to his county board.

However, in that period Bannigan claims that two “older players” made contact with Monaghan GAA about his position.

Speaking to Off the Ball, Bannigan said: “I was aware of the fact that two older players did make contact. I was told this by the county board about six weeks ago. They thought that a clean slate was required.

“The county board was aware of that, but they didn’t want a change of manager, and they mandated me to go and do what I did.

“When I specifically asked who the older players were…. he said that ‘it might be more accurate to say older players in your panel’.

“This is not new news for me. Two years ago when I was going for the job, a couple of these same characters tried everything possible to try and make sure that I didn’t go for the job or get the job,” Bannigan added.

The former Monaghan manager also claimed that the majority of the panel wanted him to remain in charge:

“It is very clear to me that these voices, which are a very small in number, clearly influenced people in charge.

“When I spoke to the county board last week, I asked about rest of the panel who are happy with the management, but with additions in the backroom team.

“The answer I got back on that was that those voices were not shouting loud enough.”