By Micil Glennon
RTÉ hurling analyst Joe Dooley says that Kilkenny boss Brian Cody and outgoing Manchester United supremo Alex Ferguson are cut from the same management cloth.
After a trophy-laden 26-year career with the Red Devils, 71-year-old Ferguson will take charge of his last game against West Brom on Sunday. Cody, 58, is currently off-duty as he recovers from heart surgery.
Dooley told RTÉ Sport: “I'd say they share a lot in common, they're both very driven men. Brian Cody is a very determined, driven man.
“Alex Ferguson was the same in his career. They've probably won the same amount of titles, which is nearly gone beyond counting at this stage.
“Brian Cody has a very talented squad available to him also, which means that he can win All-Irelands. If he was training some of the weaker counties, maybe he wouldn't be as successful.”
The Kilkenny manager, who has won 12 Leinster and nine All-Ireland titles with the Cats, saw his team claim more silverware in the shape of the Allianz National Hurling League title two weeks ago, led by interim coaches Martin Fogarty and Michael Dempsey.
Dooley says that Cody's achievements are unparalleled in Gaelic games.
“Brian Cody won't go on forever, the same as Alex Ferguson, and his day is going to come to an end sometime, but he has been an absolutely super manager. The best manager in the history of the GAA by a mile,” added the former All Star and triple Liam MacCarthy winner.
Kilkenny begin their Leinster Championship campaign against Offaly in Tullamore on Sunday 9 June.
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