Dublin County Board chairman John Bailey has denied positioning himself as interim manager of the senior hurling team. The denial is in direct conflict to what the hurling panel have stated, via the GPA.
"The current stance of the county management is no comment until we come together and review the situation collectively," said Bailey.
However, Bailey spoke to RTÉ yesterday stating he was acting merely as "a facilitator in line with the responsibilities of his role" as chairman by bringing in former football manager Mickey Whelan, Tom Ryan and Mick O'Riordan last week on an interim basis.
A meeting has been muted for tonight to try to remedy the situation ahead of the new All-Ireland qualifiers series on June 18th, but Bailey said he was unaware of any such gathering.
Bailey has also denied any form of intimidation was directed at the players, especially the younger members of the panel. And he also said three possible candidates were approached about the job last week and they were close to an appointment until the current scenario arose.
The players requested the county board allow any new management team to "wipe the slate clean" regarding players no longer with the panel.
This implied the door should be opened for former team captain Kevin Flynn to return. It would also apply to dual players who are concentrating on football. It is believed that overtures were made to Conal Keaney, David O'Callaghan and Shane Ryan to return to the fold ahead of the crucial Division One relegation match against Down, but noting materialised.
Under-21 manager Tommy Naughton was also sought out regarding his availability to take the panel for training after Humphrey Kelleher's departure.
However, as it stands, the players are training by themselves in St Anne's Park, Raheny - not ideal preparation for a team that has lost 12 games on the trot and may be facing the likes of Clare and Waterford in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, a Garda investigation is underway in Galway after Athenry hurling boss Billy Caulfield alleged he was assaulted during a game on Saturday.
The Athenry manager, who led his side to the All-Ireland club final this year, claims he was assaulted during an intermediate game in Ballinasloe, which Kilnadeema-Leitrim won by 1-14 to 0-11.
