The sharks are circling around Kieran McGeeney after his Armagh limped meekly out of the GAA Championship for a second successive year.
The Orchardmen, relegated from Division Two earlier in the season, fell in the first round of the Ulster Championship before succumbing to Laois – also relegated from the second tier – on a scoreline of 0-10 to 1-10.
What happened to the side who lost to a last minute Donegal point in an All-Ireland quarter-final less than 24 months ago? McGeeney was assistant to Paul Grimley that day.
Armagh mustered just six points from play in Portlaois yesterday.
Speaking after the game, McGeeney said: “We just didn’t convert. I think we got 10/31 chances.
“Winning teams are at around 55 or 60 percent conversion rates but we’re at 30 or 35 percent and that’s not the standard required. We’re getting the shots and they’re well within our range but we’re just not scoring them.
“It’s just one of those things. It’s a game like this that you need to gain momentum and push on in the qualifiers. That’s twice now, after last year against Galway that when things went close we weren’t able to get over the line.
“It was a tough day and it’ll probably be a tough week but that’s part and parcel of it. If they were giving out pats on the back I’d take them but if they are giving abuse, I’m well fit for it.”
Fans weren’t shy in their views either on Armagh’s official Facebook page.
“Absolutely woeful. New players n new manager for next season. First team out of the All-Ireland series. Just hit and hope football no players running of the shoulder at pace. Fouling Laois players going nowhere. Terrible,” said Dermot.
Sean added: “Sure these lads know themselves what went wrong this season and it’ll be hard on them. County board and management will have some big calls ahead of them.”
Jim simply commented: “Worst I’ve seen in a long time.”
Patrick added: “Worse team both management and players I’ve ever seen. Its time now for Mc Geeney to go and some of the negative players. I’ve followed for over 40 years and never thought we’d be this bad. Saddened.”
However, it wasn’t all negative.
“Come on guys, give it a break, we will be back, leave McGeeney alone,” commented Francie.
Eamon added: “Armagh r a hurling county now.”
Whatever happens in the coming, days, weeks or months, something needs to change. Time may be needed and a lot must be said for the great work Paul Grimley did in his time in charge.
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