"More to come" from Wexford, says Fitzgerald

Wexford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald expects his players to come back stronger after Sunday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final defeat to Waterford.

Wexford were beaten 1-23 to 1-19 by the Deise in front of a crowd of 31,753 people at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, just their third defeat of the year under new boss Fitzgerald.

The Model County have thrived since Fitzgerald replaced Liam Dunne as manager in October 2016.

Wexford were promoted to the top division of the Allianz Hurling League for the first time since 2011, and beat Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final to reach their first provincial final since 2008, and Fitzgerald expects his players to go up another level again next year.

"The lads are going to regroup, have a look at it and go again," he said. 

"We've made a lot of progress this year, I'm fairly certain, but there's more to come.

"They've had a magnificent year. Out of 15 or 16 competitive games, we've only lost three.

"I'm so proud of my Wexford players, and the support we have got inside and out of Wexford, we appreciate it unreal.

"We might have been beaten but I'm extremely proud of those guys and there's a lot more in them. They'll grow and expand as we go on.

"I've enjoyed this year as much as I've enjoyed anything. I'm so happy with the players and the public in Wexford. It's been a breath of fresh air."

But former Clare and Waterford boss Fitzgerald was far less complimentary about RTE pundit Michael Duignan and Kilkenny legend Henry Shefflin, who have both criticised his tactics and, in particular, his employment of a sweeper.

"I've had a go at two or three pundits. They haven't a clue. They haven't been down on the sideline...We can go out and play 15-on-15 and if I do that, we're not going to have a hope, that's fact," he said.

"If they want to see two teams in it every year, grand, that's their view. I don't respect it. I respect them as players - I don't respect them as pundits. 

"That's being honest about it. I'm entitled to my view so I am and that's it. They're entitled to theirs but that doesn't mean they're right. I'm happy in my job."

Image: Inpho/Morgan Treacy

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