Wexford call on Carr for advice

GAELIC GAMES: The former Dublin manager Tom Carr has confirmed he will act in an advisory capacity to the Wexford football team.Carr played down the role of technical adviser, stressing that it would amount to little more than monthly meetings with the Wexford management.

"I'm haven't really given the position any title, but I'm happy to help Wexford out in whatever way I can. It's just a matter of offering opinions on what the county can do to build upon the improvements it has been making in recent times.

"Ger Halligan is a good guy and Wexford are serious about what they are trying to do, and if I can assist them in any way, I would be pleased to," he said.

Halligan, like Carr one of the most enlightened and passionate coaches in Gaelic games, has said that he will consult the Dublin man on issues relating to fitness and mental preparation and attitude.

Halligan's tenure as Wexford boss has been characterised by patience and a notable, steady improvement in his team's fortune.

"We will also be discussing the type of coaching which would benefit the side, level of physical fitness required, and any other aspects which would bring about the necessary improvement for the players," said Halligan.

The linking of Carr with the county led to inevitable rumours that he was set to take over as manager, but these were laid to rest yesterday.

Carr established himself as among the most committed coaches in the game and was exceptionally loyal to his players in what was a highly promising but ultimately luckless tenure.

His experience in the high-pressure theatre of Leinster finals will be of benefit to Wexford, which is one of the counties expected to make strides under the new "back-door" football championship season.

Gaining Carr's services, however informally, is something of a coup for the squad and is an indication of their ambition.

The Dublin man will already be quite familiar with the team, having prepared two sides that eliminated them from the championship in recent years.

Although he was understandably dismayed by the manner with which the Dublin job was taken from him, it is widely anticipated that Carr will return to management at some stage.