I think the Micky Harte back in 2003 would have been more likely to take in young players if they were good enough. I think he was more of a risk taker back then but like most managers who have been in the job for a long time, he has become a lot more serious and it's harder to impress him now I think.
Unless you totally buy into his ethos of defensive play then I reckon it will be harder for you to make the team.
Look how much leeway he used to give players like Mugsy back in the early days. He said you have to give space to people being individuals but maybe I'm wrong but I don't thing that leeway would be given now. Players like Penrose for example have had to completely change their style of play to become a much more hard working tracking back forward. Mark Donnelly as well used to play at FF in his first season but sure you hardly ever see him get a shot in these days.
I know loads of you don't like the soccer comparison but I'm an Everton fan and the difference in the mood in the Everton camp ever since dull predicatble Moyes moved on and Martinez has come in, is unbelievable. Players like Seamus Coleman from Killybegs have vastly improved as he's no longer scared to make mistakes. He's enjoyed playing football again and has scored 5 goals already this season.
I think Jim Gavin brought that type of lift back into Dublin last year. He brought in a good few young lads with pace and they had the Dub fans on the edge of their seats watching their games.
I know we had a lot of injuries AGAIN last year but I hope to see a lot more of Coney, Ronan O'Neill, McAliskey and a few new faces this year.
I'd say a lot of young lads think why should I train with Tyrone all year and not have any chance of a game and then also not play any club football.