John Meyler has admitted that the absence of relegation from Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League has reduced the pressure on top-flight managers.

With a new structure on the way for 2020, all of the Division 1A teams are safe from relegation this year and this has afforded Meyler the opportunity to blood new players in what is a less competitive environment.

There are a couple of objectives in the league: one is to be competitive and win matches and two is to introduce new players but in 1A last year you weren’t going to throw in a 19-year-old because it’s too competitive," the Cork manager explained to the Irish Times.

“This year it’s been a little less intense and there’s been more room for manoeuvre and it afforded me the opportunity to use the likes of Robert Downey and Ger Mellerick whereas when it’s ultra-competitive, you don’t get that chance.

"Relegation from 1A is also an issue of losing resources so that’s a motivation as well.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories