New Dublin manager Ger Brennan has said goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton '100%' won’t be playing for the Metropolitans next year, with the curtain seemingly drawn on one of the most decorated careers in the GAA.
The 43-year-old has won nine All-Ireland titles and revolutionised the role of the modern shot-stopper since his inter-county debut in 2001.
The Pobal Parnell clubman stepped away - without ceremony or formal announcement - for a two-year period following their six-in-a-row success in 2020 before returning in 2023 as the Dubs reclaimed Sam Maguire from Kerry.
He has remained in situ since as number one choice, but it now appears a glittering career that also includes half a dozen All-Stars and 17 Leinster titles is over.
Last week it was announced that Cluxton would be part of his backroom team alongside former team-mates Dean Rock and Denis Bastick, and speaking to RTÉ Sport, Brennan ruled out any playing capacity for Cluxton.
"Stephen won't be playing," Brennan said. "He's there 100% as a coach-selector."
Asked whether Cluxton had considered continuing his playing career next season, Brennan replied: "I honestly don't know is the answer…I didn't ask him."
"He has given so much to the set-up. He's been an incredible servant to Dublin GAA and his desire to want to give back and certainly help in identifying the next goalkeeper for Dublin GAA is certainly something he's excited about."
Brennan had a number of chats with his former team-mate before about a role within the management team. With goalkeeping coach Josh Moran – who has worked closely with Cluxton - remaining in place, the coaching role will have a wider remit.
While Brennan wouldn't stretch as far as to use the word retirement - "he's probably not one for announcements" - the St Vincent's clubman said it will be a huge boon to have one of the game's deep thinkers on the sideline.
"His ability to actually read the game is second to none, whether it's attack play or defensive play," he said.
"He certainly knows what works, what defenders don't like, and certainly what goalkeepers don't like. So, he's going to bring that playing experience to his coaching experience and he'll be heavily involved in all aspects of coaching on the field. I'm just delighted to have him.
"Off the field, every decision he makes is made with Dublin GAA in mind and that's something which certainly helped the group get to where it got to under Pat Gilroy, Jim Gavin and then Dessie Farrell subsequently.
"Having someone like him to remain part of the set-up, albeit in a coaching capacity, it's great to have him there."
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