Mayo manager delighted that the FBD Connacht League is back

Mayo manager Andy Moran has welcomed the return of the FBD League. The competition was shelved last season but returned with a bang last week.

When asked if there’s a place in the calendar for the FBD League and other early-season competitions: Moran said “I absolutely love them. I was disappointed when they were cancelled, I didn't see the point in it.

“If you look at it from a management point of view, if we weren't playing Roscommon on Sunday or Sligo last Saturday, we'd be up the country playing a challenge match. I don't understand why some people thought that's better than not playing a match in front of a crowd. Then you have the benefit of a player. You're looking at a player playing in front of 2,000 people like we did last week or you're looking at a player playing in front of no spectators in a closed ground. That's a completely different kettle of fish.

“There's pressure on when there's people there looking at you. That's when you can see the right player, a right spark. Do they get the right results when the crowd is looking at them? If they do, they have a real chance of going forward.

Moran concluded by saying “I just think they're great competitions. I think there were 7,000 people at the McKenna Cup game between Tyrone and Armagh. People are crying out for football and it should be promoted," he added before stating how important it is for inter-county players to be involved with their clubs.

"Don't stay away from the club all year. Playing for the county, if it's league and championship and it's straight and serious, they might play three or four games. Some fellas might go to America for the summer and come back and play two group games for their club. Some fellas will play five, six or seven games for the whole season. It's nonsense.”

READ MORE: Mayo manager Andy Moran - “I have this kind of fascination with people saying it's too early”