Derry Club Football & Hurling original

[BackInTheGame]

After Derry's much improved displays this season there should be some very healthy competition for places for the opening league match against Antrim.It is important, however, for management to always put out a very strong side in each of the league games as we can not afford any slip ups. I would expect that the u20 players would not be considered for the League  games except in an emergency situation.Assuming that Brendan Rogers,Paul McNeill and Ryan Bell will not be fully fit, I would suggest the following team to be picked against the Glensmen.
                                                 B McKinless
N Keenan                                  C Mulholland                        K McKaigue
M McEvoy                                   C McKaigue                          E McGill
                                  C McAtamney            C McFaul
P Coney                                     C Bradley                            P Cassidy
E Lynn                                        E Bradley                            S McGuigan
Subs
T Mallon
E Concannon
S Quinn
R Dougan
G McKinless
J Rocks
D Hughes
T O'Brien
J Doherty
N Toner

A much better effort than usual Optimist. But still at least 4 wrong.

Chrissy McKaigue, IMO, can only effectively play at full back for county. He doesn't have enough going forward and all too often plays the ball back after running 30yards, which slows the whole attack down even if it does retain possession.
Of that team, I'd drop mulhullan, put Chrissy in full back and bring mckinless into CHB.
We need to be tough to beat first a foremost. With the exception of Rodgers that would be our strongest available defence IMO.
Wouldn't have any complaints about the rest of the selection.

I never want to see Chrissy at full back after last year's qualifier against Kildare. I can't remember if it was him or Johnston who was wearing no. 3 but between the pair of them they looked like under 14s trying to mark the big fella whose name escapes me.  It's not his game.

I think he's got plenty in his game to play 6. Or 5/7.  I completely agree that he slows it down too often but that's not a lack of ability, that's just him doing what he's been trained to do for his club for the last few years. We just need to train it out of him. He's a good ball carrier, a decent passer when he tries it, and has kicked many a good score from distance. Rogers/Mulholland full backs for me, every day.

I agree, wouldn't have Chrissy in the fullback line either. He's not comfortable marking in there. I'd be tempted to play him Midfield, as Derry aren't overloaded with options in this position

We'll just have to agree to disagree.
IMO, Chrissy's best football in a county jersey was when he was consistently playing full back. He's had runs in MF and CHB, none of which have been very good. I think he really cant play a HB role at all as he's not defensive enough when on that line. But in FB, he has a man-marking job and that I think he can be very good at whilst also marshalling the full back line.
Any player can have a bad day if he's put into a position he's not regularly playing in though.
I'd have Rodgers in CHB before Chrissy. But, only an opinion.

Although ultimately I don't agree with you I definitely understand your argument. It's nice that we seem to have more defensive options than in previous years.
Also, was Chrissy at full back against Kildare? I honestly don't remember that. I mind thinking Flynn was too big physically for his man before Rogers was brought on. I thought it was McNeill and maybe Johnson who were tried before that?
Just looking up at the squad posted above, are we a bit short on forwards? Both E Bradley and P Cassidy named in forwards when both could end up playing midfield and more defenders on the bench. Outside of Bell is there any other forwards to come in (not on U20s)?

He wasn't playing full back but was doing a sort of sweeping job and we seemed to essentially try and double-mark Flynn. I remember one ball came in, Flynn was sandwiched between Chrissy and Johnston but he bullied them both out of the way and won it with ease. I worry Chrissy would be on the receiving end of similar against other big full forwards.

For me, his best ever marking job was against Connelly in the club game, but that wasn't a traditional man-marking job where he stuck to him like a rash. The reason he dominated him was because any time Chrissy won the ball, he tried to drive forward. He made Connelly chase him, as much as the other way round. Honestly think he is a quality half back, I'm not slating him but I don't like him at full back.

[toby47]

After Derry's much improved displays this season there should be some very healthy competition for places for the opening league match against Antrim.It is important, however, for management to always put out a very strong side in each of the league games as we can not afford any slip ups. I would expect that the u20 players would not be considered for the League  games except in an emergency situation.Assuming that Brendan Rogers,Paul McNeill and Ryan Bell will not be fully fit, I would suggest the following team to be picked against the Glensmen.
                                                 B McKinless
N Keenan                                  C Mulholland                        K McKaigue
M McEvoy                                   C McKaigue                          E McGill
                                  C McAtamney            C McFaul
P Coney                                     C Bradley                            P Cassidy
E Lynn                                        E Bradley                            S McGuigan
Subs
T Mallon
E Concannon
S Quinn
R Dougan
G McKinless
J Rocks
D Hughes
T O'Brien
J Doherty
N Toner

A much better effort than usual Optimist. But still at least 4 wrong.

Chrissy McKaigue, IMO, can only effectively play at full back for county. He doesn't have enough going forward and all too often plays the ball back after running 30yards, which slows the whole attack down even if it does retain possession.
Of that team, I'd drop mulhullan, put Chrissy in full back and bring mckinless into CHB.
We need to be tough to beat first a foremost. With the exception of Rodgers that would be our strongest available defence IMO.
Wouldn't have any complaints about the rest of the selection.

I never want to see Chrissy at full back after last year's qualifier against Kildare. I can't remember if it was him or Johnston who was wearing no. 3 but between the pair of them they looked like under 14s trying to mark the big fella whose name escapes me.  It's not his game.

I think he's got plenty in his game to play 6. Or 5/7.  I completely agree that he slows it down too often but that's not a lack of ability, that's just him doing what he's been trained to do for his club for the last few years. We just need to train it out of him. He's a good ball carrier, a decent passer when he tries it, and has kicked many a good score from distance. Rogers/Mulholland full backs for me, every day.

I agree, wouldn't have Chrissy in the fullback line either. He's not comfortable marking in there. I'd be tempted to play him Midfield, as Derry aren't overloaded with options in this position

We'll just have to agree to disagree.
IMO, Chrissy's best football in a county jersey was when he was consistently playing full back. He's had runs in MF and CHB, none of which have been very good. I think he really cant play a HB role at all as he's not defensive enough when on that line. But in FB, he has a man-marking job and that I think he can be very good at whilst also marshalling the full back line.
Any player can have a bad day if he's put into a position he's not regularly playing in though.
I'd have Rodgers in CHB before Chrissy. But, only an opinion.

Although ultimately I don't agree with you I definitely understand your argument. It's nice that we seem to have more defensive options than in previous years.
Also, was Chrissy at full back against Kildare? I honestly don't remember that. I mind thinking Flynn was too big physically for his man before Rogers was brought on. I thought it was McNeill and maybe Johnson who were tried before that?
Just looking up at the squad posted above, are we a bit short on forwards? Both E Bradley and P Cassidy named in forwards when both could end up playing midfield and more defenders on the bench. Outside of Bell is there any other forwards to come in (not on U20s)?

He wasn't playing full back but was doing a sort of sweeping job and we seemed to essentially try and double-mark Flynn. I remember one ball came in, Flynn was sandwiched between Chrissy and Johnston but he bullied them both out of the way and won it with ease. I worry Chrissy would be on the receiving end of similar against other big full forwards.

For me, his best ever marking job was against Connelly in the club game, but that wasn't a traditional man-marking job where he stuck to him like a rash. The reason he dominated him was because any time Chrissy won the ball, he tried to drive forward. He made Connelly chase him, as much as the other way round. Honestly think he is a quality half back, I'm not slating him but I don't like him at full back.

I honestly think Chrissy would be better out the pitch, with the license to attack. He has always struggled inside when man marking, is prone to fouling a lot aswell when isolated 1 vs 1 with a man.

[JoG2]

For me C McKaigue is one of the best CHB's in the game. I'd have him at 6 with McGill / McKindless flanking. Rodgers at 3 though Mulholland has barely put a foot wrong at 3 to date.

[Derry Optimist]

I really enjoyed some of the arguments and counter arguments posed by our last number of posters.Getting back to last year's performance against Kildare the enormously talented but incredibly inconsistent Daniel Flynn  just happened to be at his best against Derry.In that circumstance  he is practically unmarkable if the correct ball is coming in to him which it was. So Chrissy McKaigue was not to blame for that.The fault lay elsewhere. What some people forget about that game is that four key Derry players were continually fouled off the ball  and the referee did nothing about it.This  bad refereeing alone resulted in Kildare scoring 1-3 against the run of play at  vital stages.

It is true that some of our best players are unfortunately lacking in height and strength which is a huge disadvantage in the modern game.However all of these individuals are intelligent,skilful, pacy and plucky which helps greatly to compensate for their physical shortcomings.

Ryan Bell, when fit again,  and Niall Toner are really our only other scoring options that I  can think of outside the U20's.Niall Holly would have provided a viable midfield option but unfortunately he was not able to commit to the county which is a great pity because if any of our key fielders get injured we have few options.Likewise the absence of a versatile scoring forward such as Niall Loughlin is a huge blow.

So unless we get lucky and none of our top forwards get injured management might have to resort to introducing some of the u20's if there is an emergency situation.That is something none of us would like to see happen especially as our 20's should do well in the provincial and even All Ireland series if left untouched.

[JoG2]

Of the 4 home games, if I mind right, 2 are down for Glen, 1 in Owenbeg and 1 in Celtic Pk. Will have a look and confirm

thats pretty good if it stays that way, along with antrim away. Hopefully people get out and support.

Sun 27th Antrim @ Glenavy 2pm
Sun 3rd Feb London, moved from Glen to Owenbeg 12:30pm
Sun 10th Feb Waterford @ FF 12:30pm (!)
Sun 24th Feb Wicklow @ Glen 2pm
Sat  2nd Mar Limerick tbc 1pm
Sat 16th Mar Leitrim @ Celtic Pk 5pm
Sun 2th Mar Wexford @ Owenbeg 1pm

[JohnDenver]

I would imagine Chrissy will be handed a free role / sweeper in the team, with the view of limiting the number of goals conceded and him organising and joining overlaps if and when needed

[BackInTheGame]

I really enjoyed some of the arguments and counter arguments posed by our last number of posters.Getting back to last year's performance against Kildare the enormously talented but incredibly inconsistent Daniel Flynn  just happened to be at his best against Derry.In that circumstance  he is practically unmarkable if the correct ball is coming in to him which it was. So Chrissy McKaigue was not to blame for that.The fault lay elsewhere. What some people forget about that game is that four key Derry players were continually fouled off the ball  and the referee did nothing about it.This  bad refereeing alone resulted in Kildare scoring 1-3 against the run of play at  vital stages.

It is true that some of our best players are unfortunately lacking in height and strength which is a huge disadvantage in the modern game.However all of these individuals are intelligent,skilful, pacy and plucky which helps greatly to compensate for their physical shortcomings.

Ryan Bell, when fit again,  and Niall Toner are really our only other scoring options that I  can think of outside the U20's.Niall Holly would have provided a viable midfield option but unfortunately he was not able to commit to the county which is a great pity because if any of our key fielders get injured we have few options.Likewise the absence of a versatile scoring forward such as Niall Loughlin is a huge blow.

So unless we get lucky and none of our top forwards get injured management might have to resort to introducing some of the u20's if there is an emergency situation.That is something none of us would like to see happen especially as our 20's should do well in the provincial and even All Ireland series if left untouched.

The hgh scoring forwards might be our concern alright. Outside of the current panel and the u20's, one of the obvious ones is Danny Tallon, who apparently doesn't want to play. Another I was thinking was Anthony O'Neil at Loup - was he the Champo top scorer?  I have no idea how good he is, just looking at scorers.  Mulgrew at Screen always looks dangerous too but not sure his situation, I think he's a Tyrone man.

[BackInTheGame]

I would imagine Chrissy will be handed a free role / sweeper in the team, with the view of limiting the number of goals conceded and him organising and joining overlaps if and when needed

Not the worst idea - he definitely needs to play. Just don't want him at 3.

[Glenman93]

Any word of club fixtures???

[JohnDenver]

I really enjoyed some of the arguments and counter arguments posed by our last number of posters.Getting back to last year's performance against Kildare the enormously talented but incredibly inconsistent Daniel Flynn  just happened to be at his best against Derry.In that circumstance  he is practically unmarkable if the correct ball is coming in to him which it was. So Chrissy McKaigue was not to blame for that.The fault lay elsewhere. What some people forget about that game is that four key Derry players were continually fouled off the ball  and the referee did nothing about it.This  bad refereeing alone resulted in Kildare scoring 1-3 against the run of play at  vital stages.

It is true that some of our best players are unfortunately lacking in height and strength which is a huge disadvantage in the modern game.However all of these individuals are intelligent,skilful, pacy and plucky which helps greatly to compensate for their physical shortcomings.

Ryan Bell, when fit again,  and Niall Toner are really our only other scoring options that I  can think of outside the U20's.Niall Holly would have provided a viable midfield option but unfortunately he was not able to commit to the county which is a great pity because if any of our key fielders get injured we have few options.Likewise the absence of a versatile scoring forward such as Niall Loughlin is a huge blow.

So unless we get lucky and none of our top forwards get injured management might have to resort to introducing some of the u20's if there is an emergency situation.That is something none of us would like to see happen especially as our 20's should do well in the provincial and even All Ireland series if left untouched.

The hgh scoring forwards might be our concern alright. Outside of the current panel and the u20's, one of the obvious ones is Danny Tallon, who apparently doesn't want to play. Another I was thinking was Anthony O'Neil at Loup - was he the Champo top scorer?  I have no idea how good he is, just looking at scorers.  Mulgrew at Screen always looks dangerous too but not sure his situation, I think he's a Tyrone man.

Almost sure he had a stint in the team under Barton - possibly played the mckenna cup final against Tyrone that year.

[toby47]

I really enjoyed some of the arguments and counter arguments posed by our last number of posters.Getting back to last year's performance against Kildare the enormously talented but incredibly inconsistent Daniel Flynn  just happened to be at his best against Derry.In that circumstance  he is practically unmarkable if the correct ball is coming in to him which it was. So Chrissy McKaigue was not to blame for that.The fault lay elsewhere. What some people forget about that game is that four key Derry players were continually fouled off the ball  and the referee did nothing about it.This  bad refereeing alone resulted in Kildare scoring 1-3 against the run of play at  vital stages.

It is true that some of our best players are unfortunately lacking in height and strength which is a huge disadvantage in the modern game.However all of these individuals are intelligent,skilful, pacy and plucky which helps greatly to compensate for their physical shortcomings.

Ryan Bell, when fit again,  and Niall Toner are really our only other scoring options that I  can think of outside the U20's.Niall Holly would have provided a viable midfield option but unfortunately he was not able to commit to the county which is a great pity because if any of our key fielders get injured we have few options.Likewise the absence of a versatile scoring forward such as Niall Loughlin is a huge blow.

So unless we get lucky and none of our top forwards get injured management might have to resort to introducing some of the u20's if there is an emergency situation.That is something none of us would like to see happen especially as our 20's should do well in the provincial and even All Ireland series if left untouched.

The hgh scoring forwards might be our concern alright. Outside of the current panel and the u20's, one of the obvious ones is Danny Tallon, who apparently doesn't want to play. Another I was thinking was Anthony O'Neil at Loup - was he the Champo top scorer? I have no idea how good he is, just looking at scorers.  Mulgrew at Screen always looks dangerous too but not sure his situation, I think he's a Tyrone man.

Heavron from m'felt was league top scorer also I think. League & Champo top scorers not on panel

[lenny]

I really enjoyed some of the arguments and counter arguments posed by our last number of posters.Getting back to last year's performance against Kildare the enormously talented but incredibly inconsistent Daniel Flynn  just happened to be at his best against Derry.In that circumstance  he is practically unmarkable if the correct ball is coming in to him which it was. So Chrissy McKaigue was not to blame for that.The fault lay elsewhere. What some people forget about that game is that four key Derry players were continually fouled off the ball  and the referee did nothing about it.This  bad refereeing alone resulted in Kildare scoring 1-3 against the run of play at  vital stages.

It is true that some of our best players are unfortunately lacking in height and strength which is a huge disadvantage in the modern game.However all of these individuals are intelligent,skilful, pacy and plucky which helps greatly to compensate for their physical shortcomings.

Ryan Bell, when fit again,  and Niall Toner are really our only other scoring options that I  can think of outside the U20's.Niall Holly would have provided a viable midfield option but unfortunately he was not able to commit to the county which is a great pity because if any of our key fielders get injured we have few options.Likewise the absence of a versatile scoring forward such as Niall Loughlin is a huge blow.

So unless we get lucky and none of our top forwards get injured management might have to resort to introducing some of the u20's if there is an emergency situation.That is something none of us would like to see happen especially as our 20's should do well in the provincial and even All Ireland series if left untouched.

The hgh scoring forwards might be our concern alright. Outside of the current panel and the u20's, one of the obvious ones is Danny Tallon, who apparently doesn't want to play. Another I was thinking was Anthony O'Neil at Loup - was he the Champo top scorer? I have no idea how good he is, just looking at scorers.  Mulgrew at Screen always looks dangerous too but not sure his situation, I think he's a Tyrone man.

Heavron from m'felt was league top scorer also I think. League & Champo top scorers not on panel

Championship top scorer is often meaningless. You could be the top forward in the county by a mile, score 1-10 in the first round and your team could get beaten. Likewise you could be an average forward but a good free taker playing in a really good team who gets 4 or 5 championship games and runs up a big score. Having said that Shane is probably up there with the best forwards in the county and I've always been impressed with O'Neill also.

[cuyahoga]

JohnDenver
<I would imagine Chrissy will be handed a free role / sweeper in the team, with the view of limiting the number of goals conceded and him organising and joining overlaps if and when needed.>


I'd nearly agree. Chrissy is the man who relieves the defence when it is under pressure by making himself available and then decides what options are available to start an attack or otherwise. He is the cool head to see what options are available and seldom gets turned over in a number 6 jersey. I would guess he was Mickey Moran's right hand man when Mickey was at Slaughtneil and Mickey was a good operator.

[restorepride]

v Aontroim now at Corrigan, 2pm.

[Mountain Gael]

Enjoyed the mckenna cup final last night. watched it on tv. armagh improving. looking forward to the start next weekend