Davy Fitzgerald: Bonnar deserves more time with Tipperary

Davy Fitzgerald saw in Tipperary's loss to Cork in the Munster round-robin a team that will require another couple of years of hard learning in order to re-establish themselves as a force again.

The defeat to the Rebels was Tipp's fourth loss from four in the provincial campaign, yet they may end up meeting Kerry in a relegation play-off if the Kingdom win the Joe McDonagh Cup.

Fitzgerald, while critical of the Premier's effort in the round-robin, feels that Colm Bonnar, appointed last September on a three-year term, should be given time arrest the slide.

@TipperaryGAA require a bit more intensity but the county should stick with Colm Bonnar, says Davy Fitzgerald #rtegaa #thesundaygame pic.twitter.com/EOzTudcvmA

Speaking on The Sunday Game, the Clareman said: "My honest opinion is they are bit behind the rest of the Munster teams. In know they're are building and I know they are in transition but I'd be disappointed with how they performed in the Munster championship and I think Tipperary would be too.

"They were so far off the mark today and that's being honest. Colm (Bonnar) deserves another year to make sure he can get that team to gel better.

"They got to be tighter. I know it's their first year trying to move the ball short but there is more intensity needed there, more pace. It's going to be a tough year or two ahead for them."