By Michael McMullan

AS preparations go, Antrim’s buildup to Sunday’s Joe McDonagh Cup visit to London can’t have gone much worse.

After a season that began with almost beating Wexford, the Saffrons battled successfully to secure their league status.

Championship hurling is where it is at. Defeats at the hands of Down and Laois leave it a struggle to make the final.

Worse than that, they need to beat London to make sure they are not sucked into a relegation battle.

That’s all before the storm of the squad’s letter to the county board, seeking clarification around rumours that manager Davy Fitzgerald had been asked to step down.

Chairman Seamus McMullan issued a statement denying the allegation.

That came after a request from the squad to meet the board which didn’t take place. This led to the players making the decision not to take part in training.

It leaves a lot of uncertainty ahead of the absolutely clarity of what Sunday means to the county.

It’s simple. They must beat London to quash any concerns of relegation to the Christy Ring Cup.

London’s calling

That’s where it currently sits. Davy Fitzgerald is the manager. Antrim are preparing to face London. It’s game on. If anything, the pressure and clarity will leave London – last year’s Christy Ring Cup winners – in a precarious position.

The Antrim players asked the question about where Davy Fitzgerald’s future lay.

There was a query about playing gear they were entitled to.

There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks but there are some important points.

Down’s hurling stock has risen and is to be respected. Laois have been playing against the top teams. Antrim have the quality.

With the spotlight on Sunday’s visit to London, Antrim’s players will have a focus sharper than ever not. Winning is the only thing.

Their remaining games with Westmeath and Carlow are in a different stratosphere for now.

This is a game Antrim must win. And they will. There will be plenty of time for talking in the off-season. For now, it has to be about hurling.