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.

“[ 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 on.