There has been an upsurge in gamesmanship by team officials in the lead-up to this weekend's football fixtures but referee chief Pat McEnaney is confident that his referees won't be swayed.

Cork manager Brian Cuthbert was first to speak out, suggesting the Mayo were "streetwise" and "good at tactical fouling".

Kildare boss Jason Ryan was next to bite, alluding to the fact that Conor McManus is overly protected by referees, describing him as "probably the number one free winner in the country", and that referee David Coldrick will be "keeping a very close eye on all the tackles".

Armagh's Paul Grimley also got in on the act, expressing concerns over the black card, hoping their clash with Meath would not be "besmirched by any poor decision-making".

McEnaney, however, believes these remarks will have no impact whatsoever on the officials.

"This has been going on for the last 20 years and will probably be going on for the next 20 years", he told the Irish Independent.

"Let them look after their teams and I'll look after mine.

"The referees will do what they always do - referee the games as they happen. Nothing else matters to them.

"If any managers want a job next year, they can have mine". Tweet

Most Read Stories