I'm always fascinated in the nuances between the Manager and Lead Coach combination versus a Manager who is the lead Coach.
e.g Jim Gavin, Jim McGuiness, Pep, Klopp versus Pádraic Joyce, Jack O'Connor, Kevin McStay, Declan Bonner.
Jim Gavin & Jim McGuiness lead training, shape tactics as well as defining the philosophy, culture and control executive decisions etc.
While other managers will give a lead coach more control to define the teams coaching philosophy and tactics. Such as Stephen Roachford under Declan Bonner and Kevin McStay.
Cian O'Neill has a very interesting track record, he is a highly successful & proven Hurling and Football coach. But under his own admission struggled with the overwhelming pressure while manager of his native Kildare.
But after returning to a lead coaching role under Joyce, he has excelled in Galway winning 3 successive Connacht titles & 2 All Ireland final appearances.
Was his absence in the Galway backroom team a factor this year? and will his inclusion in Kerry back room team make a difference this year?