Board insists no vote was taken by players

Cavan county board have insisted that there was no vote on Val Andrews' management at the players' meeting last Tuesday night in Virginia. "I can categorically state that there was no vote taken," said PRO Declan Woods. The Anglo-Celt had understood that a show of hands was taken at the meeting. The BBC had also reported that players had voted 30-3 against Andrews remaining as manager, and Andrews himself seemed to confirm this version of events when he spoke to RTE radio last night (Thursday). "The fact is the lads had a vote. I'm an educationalist. I'm not going to walk into a room and stay on where I'm not wanted," said Andrews. "I quit for the good of Cavan football. The position was untenable. I'm saddened, amazed and disappointed at what has happened. But it's football. Lads are entitled to their opinion. But I don't agree with their opinion." Speaking to 'Sport at Seven', Andrews agreed that by leaving he was acceding to "the democratic decisions of the players". However, Declan Woods has insisted that no vote took place. Having spoken to some senior players in person, he stated that there was "absolutely no vote" on the night. Players discussed tactics, training and other issues, he said, but no vote was taken. Woods concurred with chairman Tom Reilly's assertion that there were 26 players at the meeting in Virginia, making a vote of 30-3, as was reported, impossible. "I spoke to Val and he understands the situation," said Woods, "there was a mis-understanding but, again, no vote took place. When we met with the players on Wednesday night, they were still willing to play for Val Andrews." The issue has been reported as a case of "player power" rearing its head which is certainly not the case, said the PRO.