Down manager Jim McCorry insists Benny Coulter was "an integral part" of his plans.

The new Down boss says he tried to persuade Coulter to extend his intercounty career and admits to being as disappointed as anyone to learn of the Mayobridge legend's decision to retire from county fare:

"Benny and I had a fairly lengthy discussion about continuing next year and how he figured in my plans," McCorry reveals in The Irish News.

"I obviously saw Benny as an integral part of our plans. He'd been a leader on and off the field, although his role next year would have been defined by last year - coming on and being the talisman near the end of games.

"He was content with playing that role last year for James [McCartan] and I saw that as his role next year. Obviously, he needed time to weigh up things.

"I wanted Benny in my squad and in my plans and I gave him as much time as he needed to make up his mind.

"There is no halfway house nowadays - and Benny said that himself. If he was to stay on, it would be 100% or he wouldn't be there at all."

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