Jack McCaffrey gives strongest indication that Stephen Cluxton will play a part in his 20th season with the Dubs
When Jim Gavin stepped aside, allowing Dessie Farrell take the reins of the Dublin Senior Football panel, many expected a number of his trusted team to also move on. Bernard Brogan and Eoghan O’Gara indeed announced their intention to retire. But so far they have been the only two.
For months now the future of Dublin’s most loyal servant, Stephen Cluxton, has been shrouded in both mystery and doubt. The 2019 Football Player Of The Year said in accepting his that if the body and the medical team allowed it then of course he’d consider going again. But if he didn’t, who could blame him. Cluxton, the most successful captain in Dublin history would be taking a step into his 20th season; a fete that wouldn’t happen every day. And that’s after already winning seven All Ireland medals, six of those as captain.
Team mate and close friend Jack McCaffrey is expecting Stephen to be ready to do it all again in 2020. Spotted recently on the team holiday in a sling, this only threw more doubt over the master keeper’s return. But today McCaffrey gave the strongest that the multi All Ireland keeper still has the Grá to continue.
“My understanding is that he’s gung-ho to play again.” jack told the Independent.
“I think he had a little operation on his shoulder – I don’t know what his medical situation is so I don’t want to be speculating on that.”
“He’s off on the holiday with the lads, and I really hope he’s playing again. He seems to be.”
Cluxton remains the quiet man of the football world
For many years now, supporters would always wonder whether Cluxton would step over the white line at the beginning of a season. Such is the length of his playing career. And because Stephen is so quiet and private, it’s never an easy call to make.
“If and when Stephen finished up, he will be a massive loss to Dublin football.”
“We’ve had massive losses to Dublin football recently. We’ve got people ready to go, to step up and people are very keen to do that as well.”
“He is a really good friend of mine, and for that reason more than anything else I really hope he is still involved. And whenever he decides to call it a day, we will continue to be friends.”