Flattened

Another year of unfulfilled expectations has left the future of some Meath players in doubt and there is also some debate regarding the tenure of manager Seamus McEnaney following Saturday night's All-Ireland SFC qualifier defeat by Kildare at Pairc Tailteann. A championship season that was sandwiched with defeats by Kildare is below the expectations of many who had seen Meath reach All-Ireland SFC semi-finals in 2007 and 2009 and a quarter-final last year, but not make it into August this time around. Already speculation has mounted regarding Nigel Crawford, Anthony Moyles and Brendan Murphy while McEnaney's disappointing return of just three wins in league and championship could put his position in jeopardy. Another change of manager for Meath would be a fifth since Sean Boylan stepped down in 2005 after 23 years at the helm and that type of inconsistency has hindered Meath's progression. There was no immediate talk of retirements in the aftermath of Saturday's defeat, but neither was their confirmation of players or management staying in position. Crawford and Moyles had very little playing time in the championship and both might consider that their time has come to an end. Murphy was one of Meath's most consistent performers throughout the year, but he is one of the veterans of the panel may consider it time to call it quits. However, Murphy would still be a valuable asset to any Meath team and ensuring he stayed on the panel for 2012 would be a priority for McEnaney if he remains at the helm. McEnaney was appointed for a three-year term with a review after two years, but his position can still come up for debate at the next Co Committee meeting on Monday 8th August. If delegates decide they do not want the Monaghan man to stay on as manager then it will require a two-thirds majority vote to remove him. If McEnaney senses that he is unwanted he might be tempted to walk away. Following Saturday night's heartbreaking defeat, McEnaney refused to be drawn about his future with Meath. His only comments were that Saturday night was not the time for making those decisions. While McEnaney's style and approach hasn't pleased everyone he appears to have the full backing of his players with captain Seamus Kenny speaking highly of the Monaghan man and recommending that he be allowed complete his term. "The players would acknowledge what Seamus has brought to the side. It was definitely the most professional set-up since I've been involved with Meath," said Kenny who was forced out of action against Kildare with a blood injury. He received seven stitches to a head wound that was sustained accidentally. "There was nothing left to chance, from nuitrition to video analysis and everything else. It was a difficult year with Seamus being the first outside manager. We were probably under more scrutiny than ever before and we couldn't get a performance together. It was very frustrating," added the Simonstown Gaels player. "We only felt like we were getting it together against Louth and Galway. We were sick on Saturday night," concluded Kenny whose absense in the closing stages hampered Meath's chances of victory. He was unable to return to the action after losing a lot of blood. While there was plenty of negatives, such as the poor win percentage and the selectors debacle that unfolded prior to the championship, there was also plenty of positives. Players like Bryan Menton, Ciaran Lenehan, Paddy Gilsenan and Mark O'Sullivan made a breakthrough while others such as Shane McAnarney, Kevin Reilly and Stephen Bray showed significant signs of returning to top form. Lenehan was also injured against Kildare and was brought to hospital in Drogheda due to concussion. He was discharged on Sunday. Another change of manager will see Meath revert to step one again, but if Meath are to continue forward then they need stability and the Monaghan man is the one to provide it. While the quest for the Sam Maguire Cup is over for another year the bid for All-Ireland MFC honours will continue on Bank Holiday Monday 1st August when Meath travel to Portlaoise to take on Munster champions Tipperary in the quarter-finals, 2.0. The Meath ladies will also return to action in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers on 7th August following their heartbreaking injury-time loss to Laois in the Leinster SFC final at Carlow on Sunday. The draw for the next round of Ladies SFC qualifiers will be on Monday 1st August.