The news that Nicky Joyce has been dropped from the Galway senior football panel is a blow to his county’s chances of retaining the Connacht championship.
On his day, Nicky could pop over a few crucial scores, and if on top form, he has the potential to be a match winner.
In particular, if playing well, he would have lightened the scoring burden on Michael Meehan.
That said, if the management team felt that he was not adding value to the panel, then he had to go. Obviously Liam Sammon and his management team were not happy with things as they were and they decided to make changes.
Building a winning team is not easy and you need everyone rowing in the same direction.
In general, it is difficult enough if someone is resting on his oar and others are doing most of the rowing, but if someone is seen to be rowing in the opposite direction to his team-mates, everyone suffers and the group’s chances of success are put at risk.
Players are quick to notice if any other member of the panel is not carrying his share of the load or putting in what is considered the normal effort and commitment. Disharmony can spread quickly if there is not fairness and equity within the entire panel.
The decision to drop a player is a difficult one - in an ideal world some solution might have been brokered to keep Nicky on board - a manager doesn't alway have that luxury.
The decision is Sammon’s prerogative, he is the gaffer in this situation. To win the big prizes everyone must have a positive role to play, and anyone with talent and something to offer who is off either a county or club panel, is a loss.
Joyce’s absence will provide a starting role for someone else against Sligo in two weeks’ time.
One man’s misfortune is another’s luck.
