Gearoid Adams reckons departing Down manager Eamonn Burns got no luck this year.

The Mournemen were relegated from Division 2 of the Allianz League before being knocked out of the championship by Cavan after losing heavily to Donegal in the Ulster SFC semi-final.

"I think Eamonn was very unlucky," Down coach Adams said in the Irish News.

"I think there were games we were in control of and we probably didn't finish some teams off.

"The Cavan game summed everything up. We were sitting very comfortable and in complete control and 30 seconds later there were black cards and red cards and men coming off with injury - and it wasn't your number 25 or 26, it was our main players.

"Every manager needs a bit of luck and Eamonn didn't get any."

The former Antrim co-manager feels the ingredients are there for Burns' successor to make an impact next year.

"Division 2 is a very hard league. Whoever comes in will see getting out of Division 3 as a priority. When you win a few games, it brings momentum ahead of the championship. Down definitely have the quality and the players in depth; it's probably trying to get all the quality in the county playing for Down.

"The vast majority were there this year but, like every county, there are always a few others you could bring in."

Be sure to follow the hoganstand.com match tracker this weekend for all the live action from the All-Ireland football and hurling qualifiers and the Leinster SHC final replay.

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