Cody

Sunny Disposition

Given he is widely seen as the best manager in the history of hurling, why was there a question mark about him being the best man for the Kilkenny job this year?

Brendan Bendar

deleted

Brendan Bendar

There’s a glitch in boards lads

TomsOnTheRoof

Some people within the county believed (and some still do) that the modern game had passed him by and that Kilkenny's continued use of the long ball was evidence of this. Allied to this is the fact that Cody is ruthless. This was fine when he was winning titles left, right and centre but there were plenty of fellas waiting in the long grass to have a cut off him as soon as a chink or two appeared in the armour.

Personally I'm delighted for the man. He's given more than most to Kilkenny GAA. I only hope that if KK do win it he retires and goes out on a high.

waterwelly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058253001/cody

Because its about 7 years since KK won an AI, so his recent record is not that great. A defeat next week and the same questions will be asked.

Grats

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119288773#Comment_119288773

That's the perfect answer to the question asked.

blackcard

Cody is a compex character. His best attribute as a manager has always been to get 100% effort from his players day in day out. He would never stand for any star player making a lesser effort than less gifted players or taking a shot when there was a player in a better position. His worst attribute is his stubbornness. He wanted to continue to play the game in a traditional manner with no sweepers, no throwing the ball, man on man marking, no running off the shoulder, winning your own ball, sending high ball into forwards etc. In a lot of ways, I would prefer this type of game too as I think hurling is becoming a less attractive spectacle. However, it is no longer possible to be successful playing a traditional style. It looked as if Cody was unwilling to change his methods but there may be signs that he is starting to compromise. At the moment, I think he is working with a limited squad and he has done extremely well to get them to an All Ireland. Some supporters would like him to take on a coach to improve the style of play with perhaps Cody remaining as manager. I couldn't see Cody giving any power to anyone else however.

Sunny Disposition

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119288969#Comment_119288969

A total outsider here, so haven't a notion what the dynamics in the county are like.

But it would seem to me very strange to suggest his methods weren't working, given they won a Leinster title last year and very narrowly missed out on an All Ireland place. With the players they had, that to me looked like a fairly good season. Is there really a feeling in the county that they should have won more All Irelands since 2015, or is it more of a case of being fed up with Cody's personality? It seemed he got a bit of stick within the county again after the Leinster final this year, even though they won. As a Clareman I can say we wouldn't care less who our manager did or didn't shake hands with if we won a Munster final.

Grats

There was a change in style of the Kilkenny play in the Leinster Final. Therefore I doubt that there was much, if any, stick after that match.

Rosita

Kilkenny have experimented with the 'through the lines' game before and when pressure came on they reverted to the long ball. Some of their regular weaknesses were in evidence again occasionally on Saturday such as Murphy pucking out over the sideline and Paddy Deegan giving possession to the opposition. It will be interesting to see if that tendency towards reliance on the long ball will resurface under stress in the final.

Very difficult to have any kind if reasoned debate on Cody as there's always an over-reaction to the latest results. After the Wexford defeat there were Kilkenny people looking for him to be replaced immediately mid-championship. Now it's like.........."why was he ever questioned?", which is also an extreme reaction. He was questioned for legitimate reasons. Has he really answered the questions in enough games for them to go away? Probably not yet, though winning silences discontent temporarily.

But lose the final, especially if it's comprehensive, and you are back to square one with an ageing old-fashioned manager who managed to lose to three counties in one championship; TJ Reid, P.Walsh, W.Walsh, R.Hogan nearing the end; criticisms of R.Reid, P.Deegan, etc. surfacing again. Fickleness works both ways.

This is probably a conversation best had in two weeks.

blackcard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119289082#Comment_119289082

On the one hand, I don't think that there is anyone else who could get as much effort and willingness from players to put their body on the line. He gets criticism however for persisting in playing high ball into forwards when they are outnumbered by backs. Previously, we had Richie Power, Eoin Larkin, Henry, Eddie Brennan, TJ, Martin Comerford who were all outstanding under high balls. We don't have the same quality of forwards now

Charlie69

What Cody has done in management will never be surpassed or equaled so I don't agree with the poster that said this is a discussion for two weeks time. Kilkenny and Cody go into that game as huge underdogs and regardless of the result it won't change Cody's legacy.

Kilkenny fans though including myself were getting very frustrated at his reluctance to change and apparent refusal to listen to anyone else on the subject.

He deserves great credit though for overseeing a huge change in Kilkennys style of play since the Wexford game, it might be too late for this year but it's huge progress and I would have no issues with him staying on if he continues to adapt to the new way of playing.