Waterford chairman Tom Cunningham has urged Davy Fitzgerald to remain on as senior hurling manager next year.

While pointing out that any reappointment would be decided by the clubs and the county board, Cunningham made it clear that he would like to see the 1995 and '97 Clare All-Ireland winning goalkeeper continue in the role.

"Davy's contract is up and it's up to us to negotiate a new contract with him. What we usually do, and this is normal procedure, is that we appoint four executive officers to come back with a recommendation," he told the Irish Examiner.

"They are the chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer. But nothing will be done until the September meeting, which is on the second Monday of the month."

Cunningham said he had spoken to Fitzgerald after last Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Tipperary and he told him that he would need "three-to-four weeks" to decide whether or not to stay on.

Cunningham added: "I've spoken to Davy and he's very disappointed over the match on Sunday. But there seems to be a lot of support out there for him to stay. Anybody I spoke to said to me that he should (stay on). He's been very positive for Waterford hurling and has brought a very professional approach.

"He's done a great job and not matter what happened last Sunday, we go down in the history books as Munster champions in 2010."

While Dan Shanahan has already announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, the Waterford chairman is confident that other veteran stars such as Tony Browne and Ken McGrath will play on.

"I'm fairly confident that all of the other players will stay on, including Ken. He's had his injuries but he's really coming back to form now and improved mighty in the last few weeks. You could see him coming the whole time. I'd say Tony will give it another go - he had a great year," he added. Tweet

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