New GPA proposals prove once and for all that players don’t want return of Tommy Murphy Cup

Death or glory, that is what county players want.

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) today unveiled its new proposals for the restructuring of the senior football championship - a 32-county "Champions League" style system.

The proposal, which will see teams seeded on the Allianz League standing and provincial championship performances, will now be brought before the GAA's competition structures review.

Having consulted with all players and county football squads, the GPA's proposed structure show there is little or no love for a "B" Championship.

After a summer packed with one-sided contests, many pundits and commentators called for the return of the Tommy Murphy Cup, or an equivalent, to give players from Division 3 and 4 counties a shot at glory.

https://twitter.com/PLGAATips/status/615521510732787712

It seems the footballers have spoken and they want to mix it with the big boys, come what may.

This structure divides the competing counties into eight groups of four teams, which provides all teams with a  guaranteed three matches. GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell believes it will also shorten the season and leave a bigger window for club matches.

“The structure of the inter-county football competition has been a burning issue for several years,” he says.

“This proposal, developed in consultation with players, aims to tackle the concerns raised in relation to the current structure. These changes will improve the welfare of the player by tightening the competition calendar, improving the games to training ratio and enhancing the playing experience at club and county level"