ANTRIM expect to have a new U21 management team in place next week – the news coming just days after their Championship preparations were labelled “a complete shambles” by one of the Saffrons’ own players.
Speaking at the launch of the Bord Gais Energy All-Ireland U21 Hurling Championship on Tuesday, Cushendall’s Christy McNaughton – son of senior joint boss Terence – revealed there was no manager in place to take the team.
“We haven’t even got together this year because we still have no manager,” he said, before later adding: “Maybe someone might turn up for the match! It’s not even funny.”
McNaughton noted that the Galway U21s had been training together since February and, with Antrim set to open their Ulster campaign against Derry on July 19, it is clear that time is of the essence.
And it appears the wheels are in motion as an Antrim County Board source confirmed that a two-man management team will be announced next week once loose ends have been tied up.
It was also revealed that an U21 manager had been in place but, due to a change in circumstances, was unable to take up the post.
It is understood that the Saffron U21 panel will train alongside the seniors in the week leading up to their Christy Ring Cup decider against Carlow - which takes place at Croke Park on June 10 - before beginning their own preparations.
