All Ireland series

A

Armaghball

Well-Known Member
Bringyourboots said:
Haven't posted since the game as to be honest I still can't get my head round it and am torn on what happens next.

I suppose a couple of things come to mind in relation to penalties. The first being the current fixtures schedule and perhaps the use of Croke Park (not all for GAA) limit replay opportunities but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be accomadated - they should. The 2nd thought is if we had to decide a game in a sudden death manner there are typically many more 45s in a GAA match than penalties and it is more of a skillset from our game. I would reckon quite a few panelists take 45s for their club so I would have less of an issue if the replay finishes as a draw using this method.

With regards to management future someone asked for a good reason why he should stay. I would say there are 30 odd lads who could answer that better than me and most of us; maybe we should factor that in. It's usually fairly obvious in sport when a manager has lost the dressing room and that hasn't happened here yet.

I had really hoped after years of development and varying the tactics to suit squad ability and our circumstances that last year we had reached the point where only all we needed this year was a percentage change. The full dial back to being predominantly defensive was neither expected to that degree or necessary.

The backroom has had a few refreshes and the Donaghy addition has been seen as a major coup albeit there is a feeling his role has been wasted this year.

Perhaps this is where one of the the faults with the manager lies. Not that he is not innovative, inspirational, getting the most out of what he has or willing to change things. There is evidence of all these things across his tenure but maybe it is that he over corrects in the desire to get things right.

I think it's obvious we don't have the depth of players available or the structure below to develop youth as yet so it is also harsh to be punished for that.

We are potentially in a precarious position given the new format in that a poor league campaign could see us outside the AI series proper; the wrong choice of new management could see that occur and knock us back years.

In reality who is out there that makes us more progressive? With the exception of Kerry and Dublin and as seen last week unsuccessfully, Mayo, all other teams play a brand of not wanting to lose football. In the modern game where players commit so much time, with expectations so high and management is a career, there is too much to lose. Without the resources or players, this fear factor football is here to stay for most counties and any new management we may get.

Next season gives us an opportunity to go and win games in the league, blood new players and recover confidence levels/develop a winning mentality with the added benefit of reducing playing time for older players.

So as disappointed and frustrated that I am, I think another year is the right call, just, with some caveats.

I would give a one year extension on his current contract with an agreed set of performance objects to keep the pressure on if failed. Bring in a proper number 2 not just a forward or defensive coach but someone who can help see the in game tactical changes we need to react to as well as the longer term tweaks to maximise team/player potential. Ideally this would be a candidate to take over long term giving the continuity being called for.

The question is who could or would do this?

Irrespective of what happens thanks to all involved in the setup this year and hopefully we will see everyone back next season with maybe a few additions and hopefully more success.

C'mon Armagh.
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Agree with all of that I think. In terms of a number 2, McConville or McEntee? Although obviously they have roles already with Sligo and Wicklow.
 
B

Bringyourboots

Well-Known Member
Armaghball said:
Agree with all of that I think. In terms of a number 2, McConville or McEntee? Although obviously they have roles already with Sligo and Wicklow.
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Not even sure I agree with myself at times on this I've been back and forward that much but it's my best stab at trying to be rational and fair:eek:

Those are the obvious names but maybe need to be "joint managers" to persuade them. Is there anyone from outside the 02 cohort or even from north Armagh that might be okay with being a number 2? Is Coleman a realistic shout?
 
W

Wee man

Well-Known Member
Wide ball said:
I would like to see a team like this but we won't, mcgeeney has his favourites and will play the experience players,
What's a big thing for me is the top 4 players or so from last year you could name easily, Rian, jarly og, Grugan, Rafferty all outstanding all year but thi year try and pick 4 players... It is hard because nobody stood out, I'd guess a few defenders would be there but we played defensively I'd say Duffy, Rian, McKay and forker maybe in my 4 but not nearly as easy to pick as last year
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eh Andy Murnin ??? Thought he was excellent this year. Toss up for player of the year with Forker.

Of the others
McKay has been solid but consistent and that seems to be his thing
Ethan excellent under the high ball all year. Kick outs have improved. not as effective going forward this year but put this down to the element of surprise being gone - teams now have a plan for him
Conor o Neill was excellent before getting injured. After not so much
C Mackin good in spells. serious engine.
Turbo our top scorer, was excellent in a few games mid season but faded out the back end (still cant believe our top scorer wasnt started in QF)
McPartlan has done well considering he wasnt even on the panel last year
Soupy some super scores all year but not as effective as last year
 
W

Wide ball

Well-Known Member
Wee man said:
eh Andy Murnin ??? Thought he was excellent this year. Toss up for player of the year with Forker.

Of the others
McKay has been solid but consistent and that seems to be his thing
Ethan excellent under the high ball all year. Kick outs have improved. not as effective going forward this year but put this down to the element of surprise being gone - teams now have a plan for him
Conor o Neill was excellent before getting injured. After not so much
C Mackin good in spells. serious engine.
Turbo our top scorer, was excellent in a few games mid season but faded out the back end (still cant believe our top scorer wasnt started in QF)
McPartlan has done well considering he wasnt even on the panel last year
Soupy some super scores all year but not as effective as last year
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Yes sorry murnin was very good this year
 
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