Bringyourboots
Well-Known Member
I said when we dropped to division 2 that it created an opportunity to develop and cement a winning mentality. Something that we could use to get us over the line in the too many and too painful near misses of recent years. To me that makes Sunday a must win. If we really expect to be considered as contenders then we must put that pressure on ourselves and then deliver.
The campaign so far has gone according to plan. Not at the level some might want but good enough for me. We were expected to win all the games - we have; blood new players- we have; work on varying tactics - we have. These realities may not be sufficient to satisfy everyone but the right performance and required results have been delivered so far.
Last week we choked Kildare before they had a chance to get a foothold in the game - the best example of game management we have shown in a while. Do not underestimate that performance. This week we must put the pretenders back in their box and deflate their rising confidence. This result and then going on to get to and win a division 2 title is vital.
Is it the end of the world if we lose? No but it would be a dent to our ambitions and where we feel we should be.
Last year we groaned when McElroy replaced Turbitt because we seen a "scoring " forward taken out. This time the role of McElroy/Hall or whomever that is in winning kickouts and linking play will be vital as an alternative to the domineering midfielder that unfortunately we don't have. As long as sufficient scoring forwards remain in the lineup.
I admit to, but don't apologise, for putting some pressure on the team and management. I think it is merited at this time and would serve us well later in the season. We can't have designs on being a top team without that expectation.
Looking forward to Sunday and a real test which I believe we can pass with flying colours. It has the potential to create a sense of optimism for when spring turns to summer.
Best of luck to the squad and management.
The campaign so far has gone according to plan. Not at the level some might want but good enough for me. We were expected to win all the games - we have; blood new players- we have; work on varying tactics - we have. These realities may not be sufficient to satisfy everyone but the right performance and required results have been delivered so far.
Last week we choked Kildare before they had a chance to get a foothold in the game - the best example of game management we have shown in a while. Do not underestimate that performance. This week we must put the pretenders back in their box and deflate their rising confidence. This result and then going on to get to and win a division 2 title is vital.
Is it the end of the world if we lose? No but it would be a dent to our ambitions and where we feel we should be.
Last year we groaned when McElroy replaced Turbitt because we seen a "scoring " forward taken out. This time the role of McElroy/Hall or whomever that is in winning kickouts and linking play will be vital as an alternative to the domineering midfielder that unfortunately we don't have. As long as sufficient scoring forwards remain in the lineup.
I admit to, but don't apologise, for putting some pressure on the team and management. I think it is merited at this time and would serve us well later in the season. We can't have designs on being a top team without that expectation.
Looking forward to Sunday and a real test which I believe we can pass with flying colours. It has the potential to create a sense of optimism for when spring turns to summer.
Best of luck to the squad and management.
