Have we seen this before where we go into a new season full of hope and excitement with how good the new recruits look in the McKenna cup and talk of huge competition for places and then it all falls flat on its face.
A few weeks ago we were EXPECTING to win for the first time in a long time down in Killarney but again we are left feeling a little cheated as fans and wonder what the hell is going on.
It seems pretty obvious now that the team has no interest in fighting too hard for a win at this time of year and are just going through the motions. Our lack of an obvious Plan B has risen its head again as we continue to be very predictable and want to run with the ball all the time and then don't know how to break down a defensive blanket.
Brolly and Dessie Dolan were almost creaming themselves last night watching the Kerry v Dubs game and saying this is how football should be played. Poor JC didn't know now whether to interrupt them and disagree with everything Joe said as before or to let them both off the leash.
It seems pretty obvious from Harte's interviews and newspaper chat that he has zero interest in this league and staying up is his aim and even if we go down is it that bad.
The run last year to the AI Final probably has confirmed his beliefs about you gotta pace yourself and be more ready for July and August rather than worrying should you lose a first round match in Ulster in late May.
With what SHOULD BE two easy games v Derry and Antrim to begin with I'd say Mickey's focus is on 9th June semifinal v Fermanagh or Donegal.
I know I know I shouldn't make assumptions to beat 2 Div four teams.
Re Midfield, I thought Kennedy would be catching a lot more clean ball but I suppose this is all very new to him and he's not really had a good partner in the middle.
One big rumour indeed where we should all back off and stop digging. Do ever learn to stop adding to the bad news that follows us around and let sleeping dogs lie.
If you are being completely honest I think there is a lot to be admired with how both teams played on Saturday night. Now whilst I wasn't there at that game nor even the Tyrone game yesterday - elements may/may not have been a factor both Keane and Horan have come in this year and given their attack clear purpose, get it in there. Maybe the inside mark coming in has helped this, but you have to wonder what Harte and O'Neill are telling the tyrone players because there doesn't seem to be one player willing to be selfless and get the head up and kick in straight away. Instead it's a near obsession with safety, getting it sidewards, go back, keep the ball, slow.....My issue is there doesn't seem to be any kind of attacking plan right now. Would that be a fair enough comment?
Dublin, Kerry and Mayo have a number of forwards that can win their own ball (50/50's) Dean Rock, costello, mannion, paddy Andrews, mcmenamin, Sean o'shea, Clifford (when playing) Geaney, Moran, O'Shea's and O'Connors - in the final of the McKenna cup, Kerry, Mayo and Roscommon to date I have seen our forwards (McCurry, Brennan, O'Neill etc.) have been out muscled, turned over and pushed way down the field defending(McCurry has been exposed for 2 goals against in 2 games now, being in the FB line). This is why I think we are using the running game and trying to pick holes because when Tyrone go direct the percentages of it sticking is poor. Although it will be interesting if McShane stays in there now as a target man / ball winner.
And I hope they all invest in a pair of boots with studs, their are playing in Feb ffs, too much slipping and sliding done.