HURLING NEEDS GAVIN TOUCH

Davy Fitz wants the small ball game to follow in Jim's football footsteps

- BY GARRY DOYLE

DAVY Fitzgerald reckons GAA President Jarlath Burns should take a leaf out of Jim Gavin's footballing book and set up a new think tank to fine-tune hurling's future.

The Antrim boss insists the game doesn't need the kind of revolution that football underwent last year under Gavin's guidance — but he's convinced a few smart tweaks could make it even better.

“Hurling isn't bad,” says Fitzy. “Let's not go f***ing around with it too much. But are there things we can make better? Yeah, there is.

“I think Jarlath did really well for football with the committee he put in.

“I just think hurling could evolve the same way. Like me as a manager — you constantly have to evolve, be better, and be open to criticism.

“The GAA do a lot of good, but can they progress more things? I genuinely believe they can.

So what's on his to-do list for hurling's next evolution?

For starters, the Clare 2013 All-Ireland-winning boss wants managers and selectors moved off the sideline and into a designated coach's box in the stand — just like in rugby.

He says being at pitch level makes it harder to think clearly, especially when the pressures are on.