Future of Derry football

[93-DY-SAM]

u20's only deserve to play if they are good enough.
6ft 3" or 6ft 4" intercounty players don't grow on tree's
Managers like Kieran McGeeney don't grow on tree's.
Another 6-7 subs up to inter county level standard aren't there yet, by the time they are up to that standard 2-3 key players will slip off. IC football squads in a revolving door.

Anyone feel that Derry just aren't at the level to win an AI?

Maybe I'm just a depresso.

There was no doubt that we had the makings of a great team last year but we have massively failed to build to that this year and I feel we've slipped back a couple of years. That said, blooding a few new lads and getting the right management team in place is essential so we don't slip back even further. Look at Donegal, they where a mess last year but it is more or less the same group of players this year. They just got the right people in place. Granted they had a home grown "messiah" in Jimmy which made their turn around easier and he had instant respect from the players.

[Mario]

Operating at our top level we are right up there. We played better last year v Kerry last year than Armagh did over normal time but didn't finish the job.

We were below par this year in championship but we basically played a top level team every single game too. Most teams only really have to get up for 2 big games. Armagh were allowed below par performances v Down, Westmeath and maybe even Roscommon. Galway against Sligo, Westmeath, Monaghan. We never really got a breather to reset and get a bit of confidence back after the league. Westmeath maybe but the game was do or die at that stage so a lot of pressure.

A kinder draw, refreshed management, and a full squad going into championship and we'll compete with all the main contenders again. It would be nice to be on the easier side of the Ulster championship draw for a change as well.

We are too quick to write off teams in the GAA. Imagine tipping Galway or Armagh to reach the AI final after their provincial games v Sligo and Down.

[Ethan Tremblay]

From the outside looking in, I think Derry have less strength in depth than other counties at or above their level and an over reliance on players to get them over the line is another detrimental factor in their decline this season. 

Rodgers and Glass in the middle are formidable, but a few times I have seen Derry this year, when they struggled, Derry struggled. 

Shane McGuigan harbors a lot of the scoring responsibility, and I felt that if he is having a quite day Derry would get it tough. 

The good news for Derry supporters is that, as already mentioned, they have had 3 minor winning teams in the past 5 years, so their seems to be a consistent good standard of young players on the horizon.

[93-DY-SAM]

From the outside looking in, I think Derry have less strength in depth than other counties at or above their level and an over reliance on players to get them over the line is another detrimental factor in their decline this season. 

Rodgers and Glass in the middle are formidable, but a few times I have seen Derry this year, when they struggled, Derry struggled. 

Shane McGuigan harbors a lot of the scoring responsibility, and I felt that if he is having a quite day Derry would get it tough. 

The good news for Derry supporters is that, as already mentioned, they have had 3 minor winning teams in the past 5 years, so their seems to be a consistent good standard of young players on the horizon.

We can see that from the inside ourselves. I don't think many people in Derry are oblivious to that. In saying that there aren't too many countries with a huge panel of players like Armagh with lads content to sit on a bench with no little to no game time or in an extended panel who can't even play for their clubs esp. in a county like Derry where the club scene is very strong. You only have to go to a Derry game to see the number of people in club gear. You don't tend to get that in the likes of Armagh.

[screenexile]

As we eagerly await the appointment of a new Derry Senior football manager, a few certain factors must be taken into account by the County Board, players and supporters TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT MANAGER IS APPOINTED.
Therefore we must select  a new manager with a proven track record, has no perceived  downsides, whether real or imagined and who will bring immediate stability for all stakeholders.

He must select, initially, a panel of 40 players, then trim them to 35 after all have been used in the McKenna Cup or challenge matches..

During the course of the league, a core group  of ten players should be selected for most games and each of the remaining 25 players should be given the opportunity to start at least one league game and come on for the last quarter in another.

If this system were adopted all 35 panellists would be exposed to quality football, alongside established players, and thus every panellist would get a fair opportunity to show their true ability.. Furthermore any panellist who is not listed in the first 26 for any county game should be allowed to play for their club that weekend if required.

Panel wise in addition to retaining the 2024 squad members, we need to enlist  at least  two  6 3" or 6 4" strong players who  are  good fielders and who would help to increase our options from kick outs. Most other Counties have these types. Think Donegal, Armagh, Galway, Mayo and Kerry for starters. KICK OUTS have become an increasingly more important part of our games nowadays and we should alter our tactics to accommodate this. Ideally we also require  two tall speedy forwards who can run at defences, unhinge them with their trickery, and score off either foot.
 
Likewise we have to have the option on our squad of a tall player  who can fill the traditional full forward role and create more opportunities for the likes of Shane McGuigan, Lachlan  Murray and Cormac Murphy. Finally and most importantly we have to recruit a player who can consistently score long range frees. 

One would think that having won three minor All IRELANDS WITHIN THE LAST FIVE YEARS there must be within   that
 cumulative group the type and quality of player I have just referred to for the above vacancies.Doire Abu.

[JoG2]

u20's only deserve to play if they are good enough.
6ft 3" or 6ft 4" intercounty players don't grow on tree's
Managers like Kieran McGeeney don't grow on tree's.
Another 6-7 subs up to inter county level standard aren't there yet, by the time they are up to that standard 2-3 key players will slip off. IC football squads in a revolving door.

Anyone feel that Derry just aren't at the level to win an AI?

Maybe I'm just a depresso.

It took McGeeney 6 or 7 years to get his first championship win. But for a huge slice of luck and Kerry not converting a couple of gilt edge goal chances they could have lost last weekend by 7 or 8 points and the last 10 years didn't amount to much, zero trophies and a few Croke Park knock out games

[toby47]

u20's only deserve to play if they are good enough.
6ft 3" or 6ft 4" intercounty players don't grow on tree's
Managers like Kieran McGeeney don't grow on tree's.
Another 6-7 subs up to inter county level standard aren't there yet, by the time they are up to that standard 2-3 key players will slip off. IC football squads in a revolving door.

Anyone feel that Derry just aren't at the level to win an AI?

Maybe I'm just a depresso.

It took McGeeney 6 or 7 years to get his first championship win. But for a huge slice of luck and Kerry not converting a couple of gilt edge goal chances they could have lost last weekend by 7 or 8 points and the last 10 years didn't amount to much, zero trophies and a few Croke Park knock out games

There is more to management than results over the years. It's his ability to keep a panel together, get everyone to buy in, listen to Armagh players interviews (even from subs) at the end of every season when asked if they want Geezer back - They are mad about him. How many other men could have managed Armagh and kept everyone as happy? Does that status of manager exist in Derry?..that was more my point. What Derry man could manage Derry now and after 3 years, get another 2 years even if they hadn't won anything, and still keep the full panel together, players willing to die for him?

[The Trap]

That's a great post Toby

[statto]

Operating at our top level we are right up there. We played better last year v Kerry last year than Armagh did over normal time but didn't finish the job.

We were beloFw par this year in championship but we basically played a top level team every single game too. Most teams only really have to get up for 2 big games. Armagh were allowed below par performances v Down, Westmeath and maybe even Roscommon. Galway against Sligo, Westmeath, Monaghan. We never really got a breather to reset and get a bit of confidence back after the league. Westmeath maybe but the game was do or die at that stage so a lot of pressure.

A kinder draw, refreshed management, and a full squad going into championship and we'll compete with all the main contenders again. It would be nice to be on the easier side of the Ulster championship draw for a change as well.

We are too quick to write off teams in the GAA. Imagine tipping Galway or Armagh to reach the AI final after their provincial games v Sligo and Down.

Your point regarding playing better than Armagh did yesterday is a bit of a nonsense.4 points from play in the second half of an all Ireland not going to get the job done most days.Armagh were fantastic the last 25 minutes of the game and in extra time when the game really mattered.Armagh also got a handier quarter final draw based on the fact they were able to top a group that included Derry.

[statto]

As we eagerly await the appointment of a new Derry Senior football manager, a few certain factors must be taken into account by the County Board, players and supporters TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT MANAGER IS APPOINTED.
Therefore we must select  a new manager with a proven track record, has no perceived  downsides, whether real or imagined and who will bring immediate stability for all stakeholders.

He must select, initially, a panel of 40 players, then trim them to 35 after all have been used in the McKenna Cup or challenge matches..

During the course of the league, a core group  of ten players should be selected for most games and each of the remaining 25 players should be given the opportunity to start at least one league game and come on for the last quarter in another.

If this system were adopted all 35 panellists would be exposed to quality football, alongside established players, and thus every panellist would get a fair opportunity to show their true ability.. Furthermore any panellist who is not listed in the first 26 for any county game should be allowed to play for their club that weekend if required.

Panel wise in addition to retaining the 2024 squad members, we need to enlist  at least  two  6 3" or 6 4" strong players who  are  good fielders and who would help to increase our options from kick outs. Most other Counties have these types. Think Donegal, Armagh, Galway, Mayo and Kerry for starters. KICK OUTS have become an increasingly more important part of our games nowadays and we should alter our tactics to accommodate this. Ideally we also require  two tall speedy forwards who can run at defences, unhinge them with their trickery, and score off either foot.
 
Likewise we have to have the option on our squad of a tall player  who can fill the traditional full forward role and create more opportunities for the likes of Shane McGuigan, Lachlan  Murray and Cormac Murphy. Finally and most importantly we have to recruit a player who can consistently score long range frees. 

One would think that having won three minor All IRELANDS WITHIN THE LAST FIVE YEARS there must be within   that
 cumulative group the type and quality of player I have just referred to for the above vacancies.Doire Abu.

From the outside looking in, I think Derry have less strength in depth than other counties at or above their level and an over reliance on players to get them over the line is another detrimental factor in their decline this season. 

Rodgers and Glass in the middle are formidable, but a few times I have seen Derry this year, when they struggled, Derry struggled. 

Shane McGuigan harbors a lot of the scoring responsibility, and I felt that if he is having a quite day Derry would get it tough. 

The good news for Derry supporters is that, as already mentioned, they have had 3 minor winning teams in the past 5 years, so their seems to be a consistent good standard of young players on the horizon.

We can see that from the inside ourselves. I don't think many people in Derry are oblivious to that. In saying that there aren't too many countries with a huge panel of players like Armagh with lads content to sit on a bench with no little to no game time or in an extended panel who can't even play for their clubs esp. in a county like Derry where the club scene is very strong. You only have to go to a Derry game to see the number of people in club gear. You don't tend to get that in the likes of Armagh.

Is the club scene really that strong at moment?In last ten years sneil won 4 in a row, glen have won three in a row and have despatched sneil with relative ease.Magherafelt on paper good side but generally underachieve for population and competitiveness at underage. The club game is well supported in Armagh but there are a lot of supporters not associated with a team or who regularly attend club games.

[tiempo]

u20's only deserve to play if they are good enough.
6ft 3" or 6ft 4" intercounty players don't grow on tree's
Managers like Kieran McGeeney don't grow on tree's.
Another 6-7 subs up to inter county level standard aren't there yet, by the time they are up to that standard 2-3 key players will slip off. IC football squads in a revolving door.

Anyone feel that Derry just aren't at the level to win an AI?

Maybe I'm just a depresso.

It took McGeeney 6 or 7 years to get his first championship win. But for a huge slice of luck and Kerry not converting a couple of gilt edge goal chances they could have lost last weekend by 7 or 8 points and the last 10 years didn't amount to much, zero trophies and a few Croke Park knock out games

There is more to management than results over the years. It's his ability to keep a panel together, get everyone to buy in, listen to Armagh players interviews (even from subs) at the end of every season when asked if they want Geezer back - They are mad about him. How many other men could have managed Armagh and kept everyone as happy? Does that status of manager exist in Derry?..that was more my point. What Derry man could manage Derry now and after 3 years, get another 2 years even if they hadn't won anything, and still keep the full panel together, players willing to die for him?

That tickled me

[statto]

u20's only deserve to play if they are good enough.
6ft 3" or 6ft 4" intercounty players don't grow on tree's
Managers like Kieran McGeeney don't grow on tree's.
Another 6-7 subs up to inter county level standard aren't there yet, by the time they are up to that standard 2-3 key players will slip off. IC football squads in a revolving door.

Anyone feel that Derry just aren't at the level to win an AI?

Maybe I'm just a depresso.

It took McGeeney 6 or 7 years to get his first championship win. But for a huge slice of luck and Kerry not converting a couple of gilt edge goal chances they could have lost last weekend by 7 or 8 points and the last 10 years didn't amount to much, zero trophies and a few Croke Park knock out games

McGeeney needs a lot of credit for how he has managed the team this year getting matchups right, using the bench at the right time etc.The Armagh goal was lucky enough as was the Kerry one goals from high balls are pretty regular. Armagh defended those two goal chances very well through scrambled defence and paddy burns hard work on the o Sullivan chance.

[tbrick18]

So the "Future of Derry Football" thread has morphed into a thread about Armagh. lol.

Whatever about the future, the general quality of teams in this years championship is been poor.
Bad as we were, we could have beat Kerry.
A div 2 side are in the AI final.
Dublin and Kerry out in the semis with a whimper.
Say what you want about McGeeney - this years success should be measured alongside the decline of other teams. I still don't think they have great players but could actually win an AI.
There hasn't been a really good game of football played this year.

[tiempo]

So the "Future of Derry Football" thread has morphed into a thread about Armagh. lol.

Whatever about the future, the general quality of teams in this years championship is been poor.
Bad as we were, we could have beat Kerry.
A div 2 side are in the AI final.
Dublin and Kerry out in the semis with a whimper.
Say what you want about McGeeney - this years success should be measured alongside the decline of other teams. I still don't think they have great players but could actually win an AI.
There hasn't been a really good game of football played this year.

The was a woman on there from Clontarf, awww g'waaan

[imtommygunn]

So the "Future of Derry Football" thread has morphed into a thread about Armagh. lol.

Whatever about the future, the general quality of teams in this years championship is been poor.
Bad as we were, we could have beat Kerry.
A div 2 side are in the AI final.
Dublin and Kerry out in the semis with a whimper.
Say what you want about McGeeney - this years success should be measured alongside the decline of other teams. I still don't think they have great players but could actually win an AI.
There hasn't been a really good game of football played this year.

You were miles off beating Kerry who were poor and still dispatched you easily.

(I would follow derry outside my own county with family from there and would root for you but that is not realistic at all.)

Bit unfair on Armagh. Armagh finish stronger in games than they start and that is massive these days. Kerry did it on you last year by bringing on a very strong bench and Armagh did it on Kerry this year. Dublin also did it on Kerry in the final.

It's a 20+ man game now. Derry have been working on near 15 too long though have found a few more this year. You were unlucky with injuries this year too - you have as good a half back line is as about but was completely wiped out with suspensions and injuries this year - however you don't have enough depth which is how championships are won these days. It's not boys who happen to end up super subs it's boys on the bench who are likely better than boys starting.