Dust has settled a little after yesterday. Doesn't make the result any better but a few points to make on reflection;
A lot of comments on the management team and their input and influence on the style of play. You can't go out all guns blazing against a team playing 15 behind the ball and expect that we should shoot the lights out, regardless of how much talent we have. It's an extremely niave narrative where you'd be devoured on the break. But people think that because we had a shootout with Galway last year, where again we just about nicked a draw bare in mind, that's how it should always be. There were times we played on the front foot yesterday with a good attacking mindset and it was ultimately handling, misplaced passing and easy turnovers that caused the downfall in front of goal. That's most certainly not down to management and coaches.
I understand people want freshness and I'm not entirely sure as a supporter what I think is best at the minute, but I do know that if the current sideline go, there'll be a few who'll likely call it a day and then you're tasked with a new manager and a rebuild. And based on the likes of Cork, Down, Derry etc that's no easy and quick transition. And that's where I think, given how close we've come to progressing to at least and AI SF two years in a row, I'd be inclined to have one more year with the same squad and players.
I thought some lads really stood up yesterday. Aidan Forker just didn't stop. Relentless, passionate and honest. Grugan for all his endeavour and effort looked a little bit leggy. That mark in the 2nd half he would have had a go two or three years ago. We're at a bit of an impasse in the middle. Crealey's inconsistency is an issue. So good some days and so ineffective other days. Duffy has looked gassed the last few days out similar to how Aidan Nugent did in the few games he played. Soupy is an impact player in my opinion at this stage. Still offers plenty but would rather see him come in off the bench and lift the thing when we're flat.
I think our weakest line has been out half back line. CO'N has regressed as the year has gone on after promising so much. A few handy turnovers and frees given away proved costly. Jarly Óg is so frustrating. I watch the man play club football week in week out outside of intercounty ball and dominate the middle of the park. When he puts on an orange journey it's as if he feels shackled and afraid to make a mistake. His ability to cut through the middle and draw fouls and get scores at club level is what puts him head and shoulders above but with Armagh it's down the wing and recycle with no attempt to take men on.
The Ethan project is no longer giving us any distinct advantage as other teams are attempting the same and have copped on to it. Had we an out and out GK in yesterday the penalties may have been a different story. Aaron McKay struggled yesterday but I think he's had a solid year and made himself an invaluable man in the full back line. Paddy Burns really stood up the last two games after a wicked injury. For a man who doesn't get a lot of praise at the best of times he made a great fist of it on Shane Walsh and again on McCarron yesterday. Probably our best man marker now.
I think Hall, Oisín Ó Néill, Higgins and a few others will offer a lot more next year and with O'Neill and O'Hanlon it's like getting two new players. The former maybe solving our midfield conundrum. Maybe a Jarly/Oisín midfield.
And to make it worse, after watching that Derry performance it just shows you how close we are. Anyway, we go again. I'll see ye all in The Box It Athletic Grounds in the depths of January. Ard Mhacha Abú.
