Antrim Football Thread

[Saffsof82]

Opposition on Saturday were so poor hard to gauge any of our own lads, final pass let us down so often or it could have easily been 12-15 point win

[bannside]

Fair play Saffs, not too many were in Dungarvan lol and you're right PH was caught out a few times that day. He had a full season at CB with Lenny and he was superb. Not many can play CB - it's a very specialised position. Shoehorning  outfield players into that position is asking for trouble. Mc Cabe an example of this, doubt if he ever played there in his life, but Enda obviously going forward foot first. That has risks, as I've previously stated, and to be fair Eoghan has done well enough overall, fair play, although he was definitely caught out a couple of times on Saturday.

We will get away with this whilst we are dictating the game against weaker teams, but it gets a bit harder from here on in when we will have a lot more to do defensively.

We are on a fairly good run at present and that can paper over a crack or two. Sometimes there may be closer scrutiny after a defeat, it's understandable not to do too much tweaking to a team that's winning matches.

But Healy and Mc Cormack are both specialised corner backs imo, our panel is coming down with options at HB. That's my opinion for what its worth, and that hasn't changed since last year when I thought we were a bit gung ho at times. Trying to be constructive here btw, nothing else.

[Milltown Row2]

Opposition on Saturday were so poor hard to gauge any of our own lads, final pass let us down so often or it could have easily been 12-15 point win

They have dropped way of the pace, they beat us handy in the past, so we have come on a lot if it could have been easily 12-15 point win

On the speed of football regarding the under 20's its noticeable at school level, having done a fair few school games over the years its the first thing you see, players are releasing the ball quicker and not getting dragged into as many challenges, dwelling on the ball only allows the other team to organise and get tackles in, losing possession or overcarrying the ball.

Its the same in Hurling, the big counties were releasing the ball quicker out of defence and into space, the weaker counties are trying to break tackles and laying of haymaker balls to no one.

Rossa in fairness didn't have a full pick against the under20's and got a hammering because of it

[bannside]

Exactly MR. But to play the quick one touch game, especially off the shoulder requires superb fitness levels. I though Tyrone look a good bit fitter tbh. They have a few future senior stars in their ranks too. Ruairi Canavan something else, big Mc Gleenan a real handful too. Was always going to be a huge ask, the real test will be Doire in the cship.

[Milltown Row2]

Exactly MR. But to play the quick one touch game, especially off the shoulder requires superb fitness levels. I though Tyrone look a good bit fitter tbh. They have a few future senior stars in their ranks too. Ruairi Canavan something else, big Mc Gleenan a real handful too. Was always going to be a huge ask, the real test will be Doire in the cship.

Why are they not fit enough? Players at that level should be presenting themselves at county level to a certain fitness requirement, Its up to the coaches to provide a strength and conditioning program, its up to them to get to that level. You can't blame schools for unfit kids

[bannside]

True, but this aspect alone needs co -ordination. Someone needs to be overseeing it, joining it up from previous management team, and pulling it all together. Leaves current management behind the 8 ball before it even starts.

I've been involved at that level and you'll get punished if you're not getting your A game together fairly quickly.

[Saffsof82]

True, but this aspect alone needs co -ordination. Someone needs to be overseeing it, joining it up from previous management team, and pulling it all together. Leaves current management behind the 8 ball before it even starts.

I've been involved at that level and you'll get punished if you're not getting your A game together fairly quickly.

Those fellas been on an S&c programme with Brendan Murphy since start of November before the mgt was even confirmed and also been told their program will continue and be monitored and feedback given all through 2022 even after they go out of championship. They do pitch sessions twice a week and group gym sessions twice a week, plus have to complete their individual programs onto of group stuff. Add it club manager doing his nut as only going to one club senior session per week. Tough ask.

[Saffsof82]

Exactly MR. But to play the quick one touch game, especially off the shoulder requires superb fitness levels. I though Tyrone look a good bit fitter tbh. They have a few future senior stars in their ranks too. Ruairi Canavan something else, big Mc Gleenan a real handful too. Was always going to be a huge ask, the real test will be Doire in the cship.

Why are they not fit enough? Players at that level should be presenting themselves at county level to a certain fitness requirement, Its up to the coaches to provide a strength and conditioning program, its up to them to get to that level. You can't blame schools for unfit kids

I didn't really see fitness as a major issue on Saturday MR. After a bad start with the keeper making a huge error we matched Tyrone for most of the game. Problems really arose when we started introducing subs. None of the subs added anything but rather detracted from us were Tyrone were able to maintain their level or perhaps even up it.

[bannside]

It was myself who thought there was a disparity amongst the fitness levels. Is hard interval running incorporated into the pitch sessions? And more on top of that. It was just a personal observation, actually pleased to know the programme has been ongoing from November tbh, at least that shows there has been some coordination behind the scenes. The GPS stats won't lie though. What are Tyrone peers achieving, what results are we getting? This level of detail is crucial. Information is key.

[NatSoSaff]

We just aren't there with that footballing culture yet that the likes of these Tyrone lads live and breath. Everyone has responsibility for that including schools. I've a nephew on the 20's and they have been wanting for nothing in this set up in terms of gym and coaching but what good is that now as a 19 year old? They need this environment at 13 and 14 years of age all the way up.

Laois are going to tell us a lot about ourselves on Saturday. I hope we gamble a bit more on the starting 15 and get the pace and scores the Murrays and McBride will surely bring. It's hard to knock a winning side but a few different horses for a very difficult course would be my call.

[Milltown Row2]

True, but this aspect alone needs co -ordination. Someone needs to be overseeing it, joining it up from previous management team, and pulling it all together. Leaves current management behind the 8 ball before it even starts.

I've been involved at that level and you'll get punished if you're not getting your A game together fairly quickly.

Those fellas been on an S&c programme with Brendan Murphy since start of November before the mgt was even confirmed and also been told their program will continue and be monitored and feedback given all through 2022 even after they go out of championship. They do pitch sessions twice a week and group gym sessions twice a week, plus have to complete their individual programs onto of group stuff. Add it club manager doing his nut as only going to one club senior session per week. Tough ask.

As I said these are things you are committing to, lifestyle choices, if it's a big ask or too tough then we'll never complete

[country bumpkin]

Jeez, so a few are suggesting Mc Ginley makes changes for the trip to Portlaoise.....

I am more than sure he will answer those calls and shoulder responsibility if we lose.

[NatSoSaff]

It's just an opinion cb. Enda has done excellent with the squad and will know exactly what's required to keep winning. Winning matches is rarely as simple a case of not changing a winning teams. Like I say, horses for courses. Conor Murray must start unless there's an injury or fitness issue. Just my opinion.

[country bumpkin]

It's just an opinion cb. Enda has done excellent with the squad and will know exactly what's required to keep winning. Winning matches is rarely as simple a case of not changing a winning teams. Like I say, horses for courses. Conor Murray must start unless there's an injury or fitness issue. Just my opinion.

You may  be right, but be brave and tell him who should be left out.....

[NatSoSaff]

Murray for Mcaleer, a straight swap on last weeks team. Id maybe put another argument in to play him in the corner and start Mcbride in at half forward. T McCann to maybe take a breather and start on the bench.