Benny Coulter regrets not being more committed during the early years of his Down career.

The brilliant forward, who announced his inter-county retirement last week, admitted in the Newry Democrat that he lacked discipline off the field during Pete McGrath's reign.

"There are a few things I regret in my younger years," he said.

"I didn't show up for a National League game against Kildare under manager Pete McGrath. We had an U21 Championship game the day before where we lost and I went on the beer. I was on the starting team the next day but I didn't turn up.

"We lost on the Saturday and I went on the beer on Saturday and Sunday. I was 19-years-old and you learn from these things. I sat down with Pete a few weeks later and we thrashed things out, but my first two years under Pete wasn't great."

Coulter also spoke of his ambition to manage Down after he is finished playing with Mayobridge.

"I would love to manage Down in the future, but I suppose I would have to manage clubs first as a stepping stone, though Kieran McGeeney didn't. But when I finally hang up the boots with Mayobridge, I think I am clued in enough to take up management," the 2010 All Star continued.

"People have asked me, but I can't see myself managing Mayobridge until far into the future. I know too many of the lads and I am friendly with too many, there is a lot of pressure managing your own club, but I will always support the 'Bridge through thick or thin.

"But I know from being at the club and being in bars that you need a distance from the supporters but although I love Mayobridge I have no real love to manage Mayobridge, although never say never."

Tweet

Most Read Stories