Messages

Midfield is a huge problem. I agree we have a star midfielder playing at fullback. I agree that he needs to be moved forward to midfield leaving the problem of who should play at fullback. What I don't understand is people's solutions. Why is everyone looking to find another defender to go in there? Presuming Dan moves forward and replaces Fitzpatrick or King (I'd prefer he replaces King) then why don't we just employ the replaced player at fullback? Just swap King for Gordon, King is an excellent catcher when the ball is coming straight at him and is good at getting rid of it to another red shirt, after that as a footballer he is limited. Isn't that the definition of a good fullback? Gordon's main strength at fullback is to nullify the aerial threat around the square, wouldn't King also do that. King's problem is the way opposition midfield's vary the location of the kick out so he isn't just catching in a small area. So why look for another fullback on the bench surely we have one on the field?

I agree that Doyle would be better suited to the left side and also McPolin played both his McKenna cup games at Right corner back. But don't be too annoyed yet WhiteG, James will watch how its going and make any changes necessary. We all know Doyler is not fully fit so we just have to see how he does and how he lasts.

I would also have given Murtagh a shout at the corner but mostly just because he deserves a reward after his contribution last year. In terms of ability I don't think there is much between him and McGinn and I think McGinn may be a wee bit more physical.

As for Marty, Down don't play a structured attack. The principle is to play full throttle in the HF line, so wing forwards switch regularly with the corner forwards to give rest times. That will continue so it is irrelevant the number on the back of the man. Last year we had the most fluid attack in the country.

Overall James has put out the strongest team possible. It will be good to see if Barnnigan, McPolin, Doyler, or Howard can make a case for a starting place. I have high hopes for Howard, Think Brannigan is too rash but may learn, and we all know Doyler was pure class - can he recover it?

Mayo team to play Down on Saturday night:

1)                    Kenneth O'Malley       Ballinrobe

2)                    Tom Cunniffe             Castlebar Mitchels

3)                    Cathal Hallinan           Ballintubber

4)                    Keith Higgins               Ballyhaunis

5)                    Richie Feeney              Castlebar Mitchels

6)                    Ger Cafferkey             Ballina Stephenites

7)                    Kevin McLoughlin      Knockmore

                    Ronan McGarrity       Ballina Stephenites

9)                    Jason Gibbons             Ballintubber

10)                Andy Moran (Vice C) Ballaghaderreen

11)                Aidan O'Shea              Breaffy

12)                Alan Dillon (Capt.)     Ballintubber

13)                Enda Varley                Garrymore

14)                Alan Freeman             Aghamore

15)                Mark Ronaldson         Shrule-Glencorrib

Does anyone know which turnstile to use for the Mayo vs Down game for season ticket holders?

Does anyone know which turnstile to use for the Mayo vs Down game for season ticket holders?

Does anyone know which turnstile to use for the Mayo vs Down game for season ticket holders?