Nelson to lift spirits

Jim Nelson said that he came on board as interim Antrim manager

ANTRIM interim manager Jim Nelson has not ruled out the possibility of taking on the job on a full-time basis after Sunday’s Ulster final clash with Derry.

Nelson stepped into the role after the Jerry Wallace debacle, and this weekend’s match was expected to be his last in charge – but he has said that nothing has been decided regarding his future.

“My remit was to take the job on an interim period,” he said. “I was to take the job for a couple of weeks and I have no idea what will happen further down the line. It hasn’t been discussed at all.”

Ahead of the tie, the Loughgiel coach admits that Antrim’s 10-year grip on the Ulster title is in serious danger of slipping against Ger Rogan’s attacking outfit.

“Well I would think the result we had at the weekend [A 32 point loss to Limerick] probably would give Derry more hope than they would ordinarily have, it would probably give them a leg up.

“It would be foolish not to recognise our result at the weekend, but, listen, it’s our job not to roll over and to try and patch things up.

“I would be lying if I said it didn’t put a dent in our confidence, it would to any team after that beating, we just have to respond.
“My job is to sort of lift the confidence ahead of the game on Sunday.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday July 5. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or you can purchase the online version – for only 90p – by clicking here