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I mean Niblock DM, Baker mentioned in the build up to Monaghan that he would be back in the fold. Honestly don't know if he has been training with the team at all but would make a huge difference. At this stage the ship has sailed on anyone else. Would love to see the boys make a run in the qualifiers, fingers crossed we get one over The Exiles.

At this point we have nothing to fear from Derry. Of course we would rather get London, but we are a long way forward from when we met Derry in 2007 and they hammered us out of Casement. You're right Gold in so much as the Bradley's would give them the edge, but to say we have no chance is exaggeration in the highest. Let's get over a tricky first hurdle at Ruslip and we will take it from there. Hopefully see a few familiar faces back in the fold for the qualifiers.

We don't have a serious forward line true, but if you work of the thinking that Loughrey will be playing 12 (a fair assumption given he scored 2-2 in the last game) then our defence looks fairly weak also. Wouldn't blame Baker if he brought a man back, probably Sweeney as he did it throughout the league. What worries me is the thought of more 'extra' men back there as one is enough. We'll wait and see. Two poor enough teams on the wider scale of things but we know well what one win can do for momentum#saffronsummer2012

Just to clarify I never once suggested they don't have ambition, an alltogether ridiculous statement given their aspirations to win All Ireland medals every year.  I merely pointed out (like you) that the majority don't want to be there. The rest are not there at the managers behest and I think both instances are unfortunate for Antrim. On the bright side we are having some humdinger games between ourselves.

[They don't want to play for Antrim, think that is obvious]

Think you have got the wrong end of the stick there MR2. How do I know they don't want to play for Antrim? Probably the same way you do.

Ok leave it at that - and just ignore reasons why!

Thats about right!

They don't want to play for Antrim, think that is obvious, if they wanted to, most of your list would be available. Are you dishing dirt on reasons why?

Thats it though you have me pegged, just a jealous basterd who wants every young'un to fail exams for the Antrim cause. To quote a phrase 'wind yer neck in'.

I admire you backing your clubmen MR2.

My problem is that the majority of what you call reasons, I call excuses. I could give you countless examples of players carrying injuries, studying abroad, studying for finals, getting married who have played county football. Lets call a spade a spade here the majority mentioned just don't want to play. That for me is the real shame. Here we have the best footballing club that will ever play in Antrim and we have 4 (assuming Niblock returns) players making themselves available for Championship. Kevin Madden was one of the best players I ever saw playing for Antrim, I imagine given all he went though the thought of boys just not caring enough to turn up must be soul destroying. As the wise man says though build a bridge and get over it.

Best to worry about those who still care and as SS2 alluded to worry we might.

Them beds in Waterfoot are wile hard.

And the rooms are wile cold.

And my girl's over from England for the weekend.

Are the live TV schedules for the championship out yet?

Are they?

Noticed the Champioinship Panel was put up on the county website. Basically as is from the national league, had hoped a few more St. Galls boys would have made themselves available. Shame.

[Predictions]

Predictions
Brigids +1
Lamhs +5
Cargin +3
Johns +3
Rossa +3

Would be interesting to hear the clubs version of events. If true, its a crying shame that a player who has given so much to the club (not to mention his families input) should be treated that way. Surely they would put their hands up, admit their mistake and run a fundraiser for the fella? Wish him well in his recovery.

Fellas its bad when we're talking about a reserve players dedication.

Maybe some debate about the start of the Senior Football Leagues would be more fitting to the Antrim Football Thread?

I made a comment a few weeks back that we go for goals far too often, I'd like to recsind that.

Been pushing for Loughrey in half forward line for quite some time maybe not as vociferous as Gold though  . It was a no-brainer.

If we could now only get some of the St. Galls contingent back in starting: Brady, McClean (CHB), Niblock and somehow coerce CJ and Kelly (Still best in county IMO), we'd be nicely set up for a push at Sam.

Antrim team v Cavan, Sunday 8 April 2012

1. William Mc Sorley

2. Patrick Gallagher
3. Deaghlan O Hagan
4. Kevin O Boyle

5. Tony Scullion
6. Justin Crozier
7. James Loughery

8. Simon Mc Donagh
9. Aodhan Gallagher

10. Conor Murray
11. Owen Gallagher
12. Martin Johnson

13. Colm Duffin
14. Michael Mc Cann
15. Mark Sweeney

Last chance saloon for a few boys before Championship and with the probability of a few more names being added to the fold before long. With that there should be more than enough pressure, which is a good thing IMO.

Having said that I would reiterate my worries from before about our forward line. Would be nice to get a win before Monaghan all the same.

There is no doubt McVeigh and McKeever would make a difference around the middle. Crookes if you actually watched McVeigh in last years championship, as you say you did, then I find it difficult how you can doubt his ability/sheer power; fair enough have your opinions but to say he is 'not up to Inter County football' is a harsh to say the least. I am with Gold on this though, these guys are gone and it is useless talking about them.

I was under the impression that CJ was returning to fitness, and importantly wanted to be in the fold. My understanding was that he is not there at the preference of the manager/team. This is what I am questioning. If it is a personality problem then build a fecking bridge, people can say what they want about his attitude (attitude reflects leadership  ) but no one can doubt the boys class. 

I don't think there is any real mystery where the problem is. Last three games points scored = 9, 6, 8. Our forwards go for goal far too often and now teams are so well drilled not to give away frees that Hands becomes redundant. Niblock gave us a real impetous when he was at 11 and there is no one to replace him. I think we should pull Loughery into the forward line also, though I guarantee it will impact our scores against. IMHO if our footballers are to achieve anything this year Baker needs to to call up and then figure out how to tame/get the best out of CJ. Say what you want about him but he has confidence and talent unlike anyone else on the panel. I'm sure that suggestion will get a warm response