Derek McGrath and the Waterford County Board have already discussed a long-term plan for his management team to remain in place after 2016.

McGrath, who is assisted by Dan Shanahan, revealed as much in the wake of Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kilkenny.

“They’re keen and I’m keen but I would have to be sure the long term bumps on the road would be handled in a manner that I would see them coming and they would have to see them coming as well.

“In fairness, I would have to acknowledge I have been very well supported at board level this year. We’ve really put our soul into it,” said McGrath.

Asked about motivating the panel next year he replied: “You know, that’s difficult. Whilst there’s talk of extensions of terms I think it’s very difficult to be emotively linked to a county and players, like I would be from school, and sustain that. You might need a more calculated, colder approach.

Big panel

“We carried a big panel this year. That was great in terms of creating a everybody togetherness but maybe going forward we need a tighter group, less numbers maybe.

“I said this last year . . but I feel that when the likes of the guys that are 19 or 20 will be 23 or 24, I won’t say there’ll be a different approach from Waterford but there will certainly be . . . if any observer thinks the game will ultimately change from fellas dropping back . . . I don’t see a huge shift there.

"We'd obviously hope to try and get to Kilkenny and Tipperary's level. I think you have to add goals to your game anyway. . . But I think we have to look at a game plan to beat Galway and Cork and Limerick and Wexford and Dublin and those teams rather than thinking about the big two.

“I wouldn’t say we have overachieved, we are proud of our efforts but when the National League kicks around in February I’d imagine that when you go to Paddy Power I’d say we’d be short enough in terms of relegation.”

McGrath was also complimentary of Kilkenny’s post match behaviour.

“I don’t think they goad you or gloat when they win and they just have a lovely way about them. It’s where everyone wants to be I think. That’s genuine. Every team wants to be like Kilkenny.”

l The GAA has confirmed the minor All-Ireland hurling semi-final replay between Kilkenny and Galway will be part of a Croke Park triple bill this Sunday. Throw-in is at noon with the second semi-final, between Dublin and Tipperary, at 2pm. Both matches are live on TG4 with RTÉ and Sky Sports showing the senior semi-final, Tipperary versus Galway, at 4pm.