Many Controversies
His appointment did not please all grassroots followers in Clare Gaelic games as it was perceived by many that his appointment had been rushed through without due process by the county board officials and the consideration of other candidates.
Considine had spent a number of years as a controversial and very earnest pundit with the Irish Examiner newspaper where his critical viewpoint did not always draw the appreciation of players.
Upon his ratification as the manager at the meeting in November 2006 of the 'Banner' county he announced his backroom team of Tim Crowe, Ciaran O'Neill, Ger Ward, former Clare hurler and successful club coach Pat O'Connor and fitness coach and former Limerick trainer Dave Mahedy as his colleagues in the Clare senior hurling management.
A mere six weeks after securing the services of the highly respected Mahedy it emerged that the ex-Limerick gaa and league of Ireland soccer physical trainer had decided to leave the Clare training set-up much to the disbelief of Clare followers.
Tony Considine explained that Mahedy was only able to commit to a six-week period and consultancy role despite previous announcements that he would be a full-time member of the backroom team.
In the early season at the Waterford Crystal tournament it was reported that the Clare management had asked a medical officer and county sponsor Pat O'Donnell to leave the team's dressing room prior to their meeting with Tipperary.
In February respected Clarecastle man Ger Ward stood down from his role as Clare selector after issuing a letter to the county board meeting outling essential differences of opinion with the manager and was widely noted by many in the local media that he did not travel to Clare's opening competitive appearance of the year when running out easy winners over Down in Portaferry in the national league.
It subsequently emerged that Tony Considine failed to meet Ger Ward for a second proposed meeting in Ennis to discuss their issues.This incensed the Clarecastle club and further damaged the position of the under-fire manager.
It was alleged that Ger Ward had great issues over the reported treatment of certain players most notably Davy Fitzgerald a three time all-star recipient and two time all-Ireland winner within the Clare camp.
Mere weeks before Clare's championship clash with Cork in a stunning turn of events the Clare manager had to survive an attempted vote of no confidence at a county board meeting. However the vote did not get off the ground for debate as a motion.
It sparked senior members of the Clare panel to defend their manager and to call for people to allow the manager and players to get on with their role in trying to be successful.
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