FOLLOWING HIS SIDES’ Championship exit at the weekend, Cork manager Brian Cuthbert stepped down from his role and his departure has sparked an angry response from some of the current panel.

The Rebels suffered an eight point defeat to Kildare in the All-Ireland qualifiers on Saturday and Cuthbert, who was in charge since 2013, decided not to seek another year in charge.

As the fallout continues, several players have taken to social media to express their gratitude for Cuthbert and his management team as well as blasting the critics.

Colm O’Driscoll didn’t hold back as he slammed the ‘cowardly people hiding behind technology’ while slamming the criticism levelled at Cuthbert as ‘bullshit’.

1.As a part of the cork senior football squad I would like to take this chance to thank Brian Cuthbert, his management team and backroom... — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

2... staff for the excellent work that has been done over the last 2 years! I fully believe that they have gathered a good group — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

3... group of players and have done outstanding work with them . I also think the criticism the management received in this period is... — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

4...bullshit!! And cowardly from some ppl hiding behind technology !!! There was no stone left unturned when it came to preparing for game.. — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

5...from the sideline!! As a player I can say that anything I ever asked for as regards help and advice , was granted without a problem... — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

6..I'd like to thank Brian and his staff for 2 enjoyable years and wish him luck with his future endeavours! A top class manager who miss.. — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

7...missed out on a munster title because of a poor refereeing decision. — Colm O Driscoll (@colodriscol) July 29, 2015 Source: Colm O Driscoll /Twitter

Goalkeeper Paddy O’Shea echoed those sentiments and admitted the players need to take a portion of the blame for Cork’s disappointing year.

Cuthbert’s indifferent reign ended with that ignominious reversal to Kildare and seven days previous, Cork were edged out by Kerry in the Munster football final replay.

As is pointed out by both O’Driscoll and O’Shea, Cork were seconds away from a provincial title and a ticket through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals until Fionn Fitzgerald kicked that last-gasp equaliser.

1.Huge thanks to Brian Cuthbert and the management for the two years work. Really enjoyed the two years with them. Massive respect for them. — Brian O Driscoll (@briandris94) July 29, 2015 Source: Brian O Driscoll /Twitter

2. The criticism they received was unjustified as the preparation was always top class. Very disappointed to see them go. — Brian O Driscoll (@briandris94) July 29, 2015 Source: Brian O Driscoll /Twitter