McKenna Cup 2024

[inroundthesquare]

Rogers lucky to get away with an elbow on Rowland early on?

[square_ball]

This keeper for Monaghan should forget about going out the pitch. Beggan is going to be a huge loss of Monaghan.

[Armagh18]

Derry are playing no different to how they played under Gallagher.Still like to see the ball been kicked more often and keep a man further up the field and not drop as deep when the other team is on the attack.

I still think Derry lack the scoring power at the top end of the pitch to win the ultimate prize. Mickey Harte was not the answer if you're looking to find something different. Similar to top level ageing players, every manager has a sell by date and they rarely evolve with the game.

With Derrys style of play, all of the 15 need to be able to score. One marquee forward with everyone else capable of chipping in with 2-3 points a game whilst keeping the goals out should be enough I think.
The key is keeping the goals out.
We scored 17 points without the Glen players and mccloskey playing, whilst lynch and mckinless are just back from long term injuries.
Yes I'd like some of our forwards to score more, but it might not matter as much as the traditionalists think it does.
Every player on the field can kick a point. 

Yeah thats a massive plus for yourselves. If I go through our team in fairness most of ours are good for a score as well but just don't seem to show it in every game lol.

[Mario]

Rogers lucky to get away with an elbow on Rowland early on?

Yeah he definitely was. Didn't get to see a replay of it.

Donegal looking worryingly good here. I knew they'd improve a lot under McGuinness as they have good players but don't think I was expecting this.

[Armagh18]

This keeper for Monaghan should forget about going out the pitch. Beggan is going to be a huge loss of Monaghan.

Yeah he definitely was. Didn't get to see a replay of it.

Donegal looking worryingly good here. I knew they'd improve a lot under McGuinness as they have good players but don't think I was expecting this.

See how they are in May

[seafoid]

Donegal a big difference to last year. Monaghan are aiming for Round 7.

[OakLeaf]

You don't become a bad team overnight. The wrong management team, opt outs and injuries affected Donegal greatly last year. They've lost Murphy but I'm pretty sure Gallen will be a capable replacement. They've Langan back as well. Donegal will be a serious outfit this year.

[Armagh18]

You don't become a bad team overnight. The wrong management team, opt outs and injuries affected Donegal greatly last year. They've lost Murphy but I'm pretty sure Gallen will be a capable replacement. They've Langan back as well. Donegal will be a serious outfit this year.

In 2022 they tanked us in Ulster then put Derry to the wire in the final. Wheels came off after that but Jimmy won't be long getting them back on track.

[inroundthesquare]

10 years this year since Donegal made an All-Ireland semi final - would be very impressive if McGuinness can end that drought in his first year

[From the Bunker]

10 years this year since Donegal made an All-Ireland semi final - would be very impressive if McGuinness can end that drought in his first year

It all depends of the draw. You meet Kerry or Dublin in a quarter and it's difficult. Meet any of the rest and you never know.

[Captain Obvious]

Derry will have to perform a lot better in the upcoming McKenna cup final than they did against a 2nd string Armagh if they are to topple Donegal.

Only concern I'd have if I was from Donegal is that they are going too good too soon. Yes the current form will bring league promotion but what will be left in the tank come June or July?

[AustinPowers]

I tell ya, Sam's  for the Hills

[tbrick18]

You don't become a bad team overnight. The wrong management team, opt outs and injuries affected Donegal greatly last year. They've lost Murphy but I'm pretty sure Gallen will be a capable replacement. They've Langan back as well. Donegal will be a serious outfit this year.

100% agree.
They'll be very well organised used, super fit and extremely focused.
If they keep injury free, they'll be very hard to beat.
I'm not sure how both teams will approach the final. Will they keep a few cards up their sleeves for the first round or will both want to go full tilt for the win and get the advantage for first round?
It has the potential of being a brilliant game at this time of year.
I would say that donegal look further along in their prep than us.
Losing the final will not really matter so long as its not a tanking,  but I don't see either team dishing out a hammering.

[JoG2]

Derry will have to perform a lot better in the upcoming McKenna cup final than they did against a 2nd string Armagh if they are to topple Donegal.

Only concern I'd have if I was from Donegal is that they are going too good too soon. Yes the current form will bring league promotion but what will be left in the tank come June or July?

Sky Sports live from Ulster....It's McKenna Cup / January.

[NotedObserver]

This is the McKenna cup lads