Messages

Upwards of a third of the current starting team won't be there in 2025, so a significant rebuild really is in the post for Armagh. That's the project for the next management team.

I think honest discussion is required between all stakeholders over the next few months. If Grugan, Campbell, etc., decide on one last dance in 2024 then it makes the most sense to keep McGeeney in place. I don't think new management would have the time to turn the bus in a new direction before those lads start getting off - it'll take a while to move on from 9+ years of McGeeneyism.

But if those older boys decide they've had their fill, then it's as good a time as any to bite the bullet and see what someone else can do in the hotseat.

Were Armagh ever to ditch McGeeney, I think the time to do it was probably in and around 2020/21. That would have allowed different management with different ideas a good 3/4 seasons with the current group. We'll never know how that might have turned out - but for me, we're as likely to have bombed to Division 3 again as anything else. It's very difficult to separate out the effect of McGeeney from the credentials of the current panel. Few of those involved have played much county football under anyone else - for better or worse, McGeeney has been central to the development of all of them.

Derry will probably improve again next year, and so might Tyrone under new management, but if Armagh keep the band together they won't be far away from an Ulster title in 2024 - an AI is miles out of reach while either of Dublin or Kerry have their shit together.

The football under McGeeney this last year or so was mostly dreadful to watch, but it did leave Armagh competitive in every game against every opposition. They've lost one of the last 11 championship games within the regulation 70 minutes - and that one game was played with a numerical disadvantage for the most part. It's been 17 league games, all against Division 1 opposition, since Armagh lost by more than a single score. There's a very solid base there.

There are also some very talented players to return from long term injury, like Oisin O'Neill, Ciaron O'Hanlon and Tiernan Kelly. These are all big, powerful, mobile footballers - built for the way the game is played these days. Fit and flying versions of each would add enormous impetus to any challenge in 2024. A couple of tweaks in approach, maybe some more conviction when in winning positions, and the summit can be reached.

Of course, the last few paragraphs are an admittedly optimistic take on things - but Armagh's next steps probably depend on how much this sort of optimism resonates with the men from the class of 2009.

Aidan Nugent to come back too

A huge attacking loss this year

He has been involved and the less said about his form the better.  Was sent back to play with his club a few weeks ago. 

[McGinley, Laverty]

Armagh are a bit like Cavan in that they've a manager that has run his course probably but when you look out there for the next manager you might be inclined to stick with the devil you know.

I'd strongly disagree there. That's fear rather than making the right call for the right reasons.

There is lots of people out there. You just have to be ambitious - Louth going after Harte; Antrim with McGinley and then Andy McEntee. Down getting Laverty.

Was Gallagher an obvious one to Derry? Manages will travel, Mark Doran going to Clare, Tally to Kerry.

Could they sell a project to Malachy O'Rourke? Oisin McConville? McEntees? Mickey Graham? Enda McGinley? Jim McGuinness? Pat Gilroy?

I think some overthink it. Top managers love the challenge and the chance to make a breakthrough.

Mad the way some people think. What have Andy McEntee, McGinley,  Laverty and a couple more on that list done that would put them ahead of McGeeney?

The same Enda McGinley that dropped Ruairi McCann off the panel and has scored nearly a goal every game this year.  Laverty didn't get Down out of Divison 2 and first proper test Down got against Armagh were hammered.  Laverty will probably do well in the longrun but has alot to prove at moment. 

Looks like De Gea going on a free now. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66063877

Armagh folk (brimming with confidence) do love to natter about trains and planes and this an AIQF discussion.

At least there's a team named now, we've heard enough from the ferroequinologists. Armagh going for it with the forward line picked. Monaghan's big decision is Rian O'Neill. Conor Boyle- too loose. Kieran Duffy- needed for Murnin. Dessie Ward- possible if O'Neill drifts out but not 100% fit you would think. Lavelle- did well on DFlynn last week but O'Neill is a step up.

If Flynn had the shooting boots with him last weekend Kildare would have been through.  He created the chances but was poor in front of the sticks. 

What are the general thoughts of Tyrone supporters on M'Oneill? For a lad that has played in key positions namely 6 & 11 for Tyrone he doesn't do much for me.  Can you win an AI with him at 6?  What would be the other viable alternatives?  Tyrone teams generally have excellent half back lines and have provided them with a great platform down the years, but could be their weakest line currently? 

Armagh v Monaghan - Armagh by 3
Kerry v Tyrone - Tyrone by 2
Derry v Cork - Derry by 3
Dublin v Mayo - Dublin by 1

The treatment of de gea is disgraceful. Shambles of a club. Sooner those glazer parasites are gone the better. They can't even sell the club without making a mess of It

The way they allegedly offered him a deal and then changed mind isn't a great look.  Would question why offering over 300k to a goalkeeper that the manager doesn't seem to want as number 1 choice.  Has been a great servant and was up with world's best in prime, but they should let him move on if ETH has eyes on another number 1 as could do a job elsewhere think he has enough credit in the bank at this stage to be treated right if they aren't going to play him much.  To me it doesn't make any business sense to be paying someone that amount of money to play in the cup games.  Not surprising though as United have continually made errors in transfers/contracts since Ferguson left. 

Argentina /Villa goalkeeper Martinez  being linked now

Bit  of a headcase. But  that's what  you need.  De Gea  is like a wee timid  mouse in goals

Uniteds greatest keeper in my lifetime(Schmeichel) was a headcase so no bad thing. 

Rafferty

Burns
McKay
Forker

C O'Neill
McCabe
Cumiskey

Crealey
Mackin

Duffy
Grugan
Campbell

Murnin
R O'Neill
Turbitt

Subs: Magill(GK)
McElroy
Hall
Kieran
Conaty
McPartlan
McCambridge
McQuillan
Og Burns
Connaire Mackin
Kelly

Higgins must be injured as played well the last day him and Morgan out leaves us a bit light in defence with McCambridge the only real stopper. 

Cumiskey ahead of Og Burns is a surprise too as Cumiskey has generally operated in half forward line and Croke Park would suit JOB athletisism. 

Thought Hall may have been drafted in to track O'Connell or McCarthy the forwards selected would indicate Armagh are keen to play game on own terms.

Good to see T Kelly back in the panel if fit and well could make a good impact from bench.   

Do cork have a chance?

I think if Cork had a full deck to pick from they'd have a right crack at it, but Hurley especially is a huge loss. He'd take marking so it makes it easier for Derry. The midfield battle will be one to watch here. Should be good.

Hurley a loss but it's worth noting he only scored 0-2(1f) against Mayo before going off injured on 55 mins and Cork would go on to outscore Mayo 1-6 to 1-1 to win by 3. Didn't feature at all in their victory against Roscommon.  Cork in the last couple of games had a good spread of scorers, with defenders and subs making big impacts.  One can't underestimate that the last two matches took a lot out of Cork and fresher Derry should be winning probably by closing the game out in the final 15 mins.

He's been struggling with injuries of late and then his hammer went badly enough in Mayo game, so as you say he hasn't been as effective as he can be. But he showed flashes in Kerry game of what he can do and if he were in any sort of shape Derry would be forced to man-mark him if he was out there which would improve the outlook for Cork forwards around him.

He most likely won't play though unfortunately for Cork. Derry would win even if he were there I feel anyway.

Hurleys ball winning ability and directness will be a huge loss.  Even if hes not scoring hes asking questions of defenders are bringing others into the game. 

Surely Kane is finally leaving though?

Richarlison up front it is then lol

See Translink have put on a few additional trains for the game now.  See a few doses crying about it on social media and claiming they can't get too Dublin if no train on.  Same people wouldn't watch a club game in back garden. 

Traffic will not be ideal, but in days gone by Armagh/Tyrone would be selling out Croker on their own and people where still able to attend the games.  As another poster said Armagh are very lucky to have access to the train where as other counties not as fortunate.

And the relevance of watching club games is what exactly?
Is their money somehow inferior? Am I some kind of second class fan because I don't watch club football?

[b]No doubt there will be some for whom the train is the only option. [/b]
Just be thankful you're not one of them for whatever reason but try  hard not to be so condescending about it

Have to say the amount of gurning from some Armagh ones on here and on Twitter and the sense of self-entitlement is unreal.

At least you have the option of a train - plenty of other counties with far fewer options to get to games.

Would agree with that.

[And the relevance of watching club games is what exactly?Is their money somehow inferior? Am I some kind of second class fan because I don't watch club football?]

See Translink have put on a few additional trains for the game now.  See a few doses crying about it on social media and claiming they can't get too Dublin if no train on.  Same people wouldn't watch a club game in back garden. 

Traffic will not be ideal, but in days gone by Armagh/Tyrone would be selling out Croker on their own and people where still able to attend the games.  As another poster said Armagh are very lucky to have access to the train where as other counties not as fortunate.

And the relevance of watching club games is what exactly?
Is their money somehow inferior? Am I some kind of second class fan because I don't watch club football?

No doubt there will be some for whom the train is the only option.
Just be thankful you're not one of them for whatever reason but try  hard not to be so condescending about it

If you are active in your own club and or watch club football would suggest that you are more interested in the sport rather than just going for a piss up or a day out.  (Not saying that you are one of these)  Some of the people I am referring too drive, so they are making out that as the train isn't available they can't go, when the real reason is they can't go cause they can't have a drink, but its translinks fault.  There are multiple buses in operation or drive to Banbridge and get the bus that goes every hour.  There are very few if any people that the train is the only option. 

Maddison is a great signing at £40m for Spurs considering the price of players these days. I think I read somewhere Leicester are up shit creek in terms of finances so maybe that played a part.

Relegation.

Where are spurs gonna play him? They have Son, Kane and Richarldson up top. Is he gonna play further back?

4-2-3-1 Kulesevski Maddison Son playing behind Kane.  Richarlison was one of the worst signings of last year and wouldn't be an automatic starter.  Spurs been crying out for this type of player since Eriksen left and Alli fell off a cliff.