Former Tyrone star Sean Cavanagh adopted a diplomatic stance when the subject of Mickey Harte’s future as manager of the Red Hands was raised on last night’s Sunday Game programme.

The three-time All-Ireland winner believes the talent exists in his native county to mount a serious All-Ireland challenge in the years ahead but admits their recent track record hasn’t been good enough.

“We can’t get away from the fact that it’s been 12 years since we’ve beaten a Mayo, a Dublin or a Kerry in championship football,” he replied to a question from presenter Des Cahill.

"I take my blame for a lot of that but I think Tyrone has to find a way now to compete at the very top because I think we’ve the talent to do it.

"You would hope Mickey would be able to have that conversation with the county board to decide when the time is right [to step away] but it’s probably never the right time."

Cavanagh’s fellow pundit Pat Spillane was more forthcoming in his view…

“In my time in Gaelic football there have been four top-class managers, the four greatest managers of all time - Mick O’Dwyer, Jim Gavin, Kevin Heffernan and Mickey Harte.

“His record is unbelievable.

“Knowing when is the last hurrah is a difficult thing. Most players get it wrong, most managers get it wrong.

“It’s 12 years since Tyrone last won an All-Ireland, it’s 17 years since they last won a league title.

“Were they close to it in recent times? No. Were they close to it this year? No. Will they be close to an All-Ireland next year?

“He’s been a brilliant servant, owes nothing to Tyrone football but Tyrone is in need of a new face, a new voice, a new management team. That’s what they need.”

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