Tyrone’s Under-21s may have relinquished their Ulster and All-Ireland titles but their management team are the perfect candidates for the seniors, if and when Mickey Harte decides to step down, according to Ciaran McBride.
This year is Harte’s 14th season in charge of the Red Hands during which time he has led the team to three All-Ireland titles, the last coming in 2008.
Last night former Tyrone player McBride led the Monaghan Under-21s to the Ulster title, beating his native country 0-13 to 0-11 at the Athletic Grounds.
“For me, from a Tyrone point of view, that’s the next senior management,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“If and when Mickey decides to retire, to me that’s a ready-made, moulded and successful group of men who know what they are doing and the players respect them.
“Fergal Logan [manager] has come in there and he has developed that team. As a player what more do you want?
"You’ve [selectors] Peter Canavan and Brian Dooher standing alongside you. What more do you want?”
While delighted with Monaghan’s success, just their third provincial title at that level and first since 1999, McBride, whose team will meet either Cork of Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final, revealed that his allegiances meant there would be no celebrations on his part.
"I'm absolutely delighted, no doubt about it, absolutely delighted for Monaghan football,” he said.
“At the end of the day I find it very difficult to play against your own county. Your county is your county and that’s it.
“I will be the first to admit that, which is why, when the final whistle blew I allowed the Monaghan players and supporters to enjoy themselves, enjoy the celebrations.
"I wasn’t talking part and won’t be taking part in any of that.”
