IMPARTIAL REPORTER

The fallout from Fermanagh’s defeat at the hands of Armagh has not yet settled and indecision hangs over Pat King’s position as manager. The sound bites from King in his many post match interviews indicated that perhaps it was the right time for a change and that he felt “jaded” following four years in management.

However, he also promised not to make any “knee jerk reactions” and seems to be carefully considering his position. Hence the confusion.

The official position was explained by Paddy Donnelly, the County Secretary, on Tuesday evening “obviously there are a lot of rumours about. We have a County board meeting on Monday night and I will be speaking to Pat prior to the meeting but to date he has said nothing to the County Board.”

Pat King has been in charge of the team for four years during which he has tasted success and raised the profile and the standard of the county team. One McKenna Cup victory and three appearances in the All-Ireland B final - including one victory - are among the highlights of his tenure. This year the team missed out on the semi-finals of the NFL on score difference and reached the semi-final of the Ulster Championship. Fermanagh now ply their trade in Division 1 of the NFL and their performance against Armagh on Sunday forced Brian Canavan to admit “anyone who thinks Fermanagh are one of the weaker counties needs their head examined”.

This undoubted improvement in Fermanagh’s affairs does not come easily and the time and effort required may be taking their toll. King has had his critics but he has little to prove when comparisons are made between the Fermanagh of 1996 and the Fermanagh of 2000. It is certain that should he step down the new incumbent will take over in a healthier position than Pat King did in 1996.