Im not saying I want him out at all because the progress this year has been visible but I think Kildares players backing of Geezer can be taken with a slight pinch of salt. The reason being that he got them the best of everything in terms of expenses, food etc which in turn almost bankrupted the county. The players will have a skewed view of him because of this IMO. I know a lot of people dont want to believe/admit this but he is earning 70k at the minute, it is what it is and this would need to be taken into consideration, again this is only my opinion (not the monetary figure, thats genuine)
Firstly you will know I won't pick an argument and agree almost entirely with you when posting, but I'd question the validity of your absolute assertion of the £70k. Now for the record, it may well be true, I really don't know, but if it is, there's serious trouble ahead for someone and possible major legal implications for county board officers. In particular, the secretary, treasurer and chairperson. There has been no notification of payment of that type or size within the county accounts in the last few years and I've been to a couple of conventions, including the most recent.
If it is true then serious fraud and/or cover up has been committed and I'm not sure if anyone is aware just how serious that is. Along with legal implications, Croke Park will become involved, taking control of the county and all things it does. It's not unprecedented as they are overseeing Cork and appointed the former head of finance from Ulster to get the books sorted over the county ground redevelopment.
I'm honestly not saying you're wrong, but I really hope you are. It would also mean that there really was no excuse for not exploring the options of Tony McEntee based on the funds not being available.
I had always been told that he was self funding, in that he secured sponsorship for his wages/expenses or whatever you want to call them. If that is the case then it's entirely down to him what level he negotiates and if he earned a couple of million, who cares? It isn't costing us anything.
As for leaving Kildare almost bankrupted, that I can completely refute as their accounts show a completely different picture (all county accounts are available and published by Croke Park in line with anti laundering regulations if anyone cares to research it). He had set a plan in place to fund raise for the redevelopment of Newbridge which is due to start shortly, something an almost bankrupt organisation would not be able to do. He also helped fund their state of the art centre of excellence with about 500 pitches (ok so that's an exaggeration as it's maybe 300)
Since taking the role in Armagh, we as a county have gone from being in serious financial trouble where bills were not being paid, to a county back in the black and financially secure, looking positive going forward. That's not his sole doing and a lot of others have had a hand in it, but he does have a role to play.
None of that means he should be kept around, just to keep the finances good. I was one at the end of last year that did wobble over whether he was right for the job or not. After another year, I believe we have improved, but I hate these "get the manager out and get "X" in because they will do so much better" comments, simply because you can neither prove nor disprove those comments so neither argument is valid. They are the same things that were said when Paul Grimley was in charge and Geezer became available. I thought sticking with Paul would have been better and less disruptive to the plans in place at that time. I do think Jim McCorry has made s difference, but wonder what value Denis actually has. Is he really any good? I have no idea except that he seems a great co-ordinator for the county underage structures, but then again there are a lot of bodies involved there too. Does he have to be part of the set up as a paid employee? Is Paddy McKeever effective? I like Paddy and he's another passionate man, but what does he offer?
@Throwball mentioned we have a goalkeeping coach for warm ups and therefore possibly training too. That to me is better because it goes on without a deal of fuss. I didn't realise he was even there. We also seem to be heavy on analysts and stats people. I know every team has those now, but again as they get paid are they value for money. What's wrong with the management sitting down and actually managing by breaking down the video and watching what the team is doing? - not saying they don't, just again no idea if they do. The girl that was there in '02 and is part of the backroom (forget her name) maybe as strength coach, is she worth her money? Is that another area we should look at refreshing. I hate referencing them'uns, but St. Mick has regularly changed his team over the last 16 years. Yes it is possible for the same person to be in charge for that long.
Because we seem to have improved, I'd be keen that Geezer stayed, just for continuity, but with a shake up or addition to the backroom. Who that would be is obviously up for debate and like picking the best 15, everyone will have an opinion and not all necessarily the same. None are correct, neither are any of those opinions incorrect. They are opinions.