I think they've a year left in them as a group but its hard to look beyond that.

They'll do well to replace those older players with like for like quality, I just don't see it happening.

TheWestIsAwake (UK) - Posts: 529 - 21/09/2017 18:53:09    2049123

Am I right in saying that only Boyle, Higgins and Moran are over 30? Actually Clarke as well I think. Still another 2-3 years left in them I would say. All of above would be difficult to replace

Joxer (Dublin) - Posts: 4700 - 21/09/2017 19:11:05    2049126

WhyTheLongFace (Meath) - Posts: 875 - 21/09/2017 19:16:46    2049128

Another year left in them. Then it will be a transition for them when they go, like Donegal have experienced.

Mayo need the u21s that won the All Ireland in 2016 to step up in the next few years. Westport had 2 very good corner forwards on their team who won the All Ireland. Both minor, they will be involved in the future I'd imagine.

FoolsGold (Cavan) - Posts: 2763 - 21/09/2017 19:24:46    2049133

Until they win Sam.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13705 - 21/09/2017 19:54:15    2049141

cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 21/09/2017 19:56:13    2049143

Just Alan Dillon to retire I think. Stephen Rochford to stay and keep the progression going under his reign. Maybe he'll bring a few more through the underage ranks. Hopefully management could find some other talent through clubs, colleges, etc. Maybe find a few who couldn't make the massive commitment required previously, through studies, work, etc but are now in a situation to give a full commitment.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7337 - 21/09/2017 19:57:28    2049145

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7885 - 21/09/2017 20:45:13    2049156

There'll be a few retirements,these guys have a lot of miles done and some bad defeats shipped down the years, that all builds up, can't see them winning Sam now,this team missed their best chances of winning it, Kerry will be back at number 2 spot probably next year.

El_Torro (Tyrone) - Posts: 155 - 21/09/2017 20:53:46    2049160

Hurt is a great Driver so Mayo not finished yet though retirements and new blood will happen. For me I would love to see Galway back as contenders

heartbroken (Galway) - Posts: 370 - 21/09/2017 20:59:16    2049166

It'll be hard for them to remain at the level they're at but regarding next year there's plenty left in them. A little bit of good fortune and who knows, in fairness their luck can't get any worse, can it!? Kerry won't be far away but I'd worry about the amount riding on the shoulders of the brilliant Clifford for the future, he's already under pressure, but he could be well able for it, time will tell.

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8586 - 21/09/2017 21:14:26    2049171

The commitment for any county player is massive but remember most of these players are fully fit and only need to top up next year, the same fitness regime privately at home or the local gym will still take place, same correct foods will be eaten, all that's against any player is age, will players still want to win an All Ireland title? Yes, these players will go back and play for their clubs and that won't be long bringing them back to earth and make them forget about the All Ireland Final for a while, a holiday and maybe a break away from playing in the National League and majority of these players will return for the championship. My concern is the strength of the bench, it's weak enough. If I were the Mayo management I would immediately start looking at the minor, U2s and club players getting them to train with the county, trying them out, giving them matches like the FBD League but I would start the National League with my strongest team and win the first 3 or 4 games and guarantee safety in Division 1 for 2019, then the remaining league games give the new lads a chance. What has happened in the past 2 years is Mayo have used the league to try out a few new players not too many though and we have been facing relegation so our big names have to come back too early to save us from relegation thus making their playing season longer and recovery time from last years effort shorter. Even though this panel of players owe nothing to Mayo football or us supporters we still expect to see Mayo in an All Ireland semi final every year, quarter finals aren't enough and that's a lot of pressure that's on the back of Mayo players during the closed season. Success breeds success and expectations, one thing I remember somebody saying about life is 'you're a long time dead so do all you can while you are alive' the same policy applies to sport, if you are able to play then play for as long as you can and enjoy it, you will be a long time retired

riverboys (Mayo) - Posts: 1389 - 21/09/2017 22:47:31    2049195

Still not that old a squad and not likely that there will be any walking away.
Still likely to contest next year with similar faces.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 21/09/2017 23:04:33    2049202

cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 21/09/2017 23:18:05    2049205

If it's not Dublins turn to have a turd dumped on them it must be Mayo,s , we have running simultaneously dublins golden girls thread and now this , think it makes it easier for others to sleep if they believe Dublin and Mayo are coming to an end . If it's an honest question then the Mayo team has plenty of zip in them still Moran being the biggest shoes to fill , not so long ago B Brogan was irreplaceable look what happened why can't Mayo do the same

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 21/09/2017 23:59:21    2049214

On borrowed time i feel, the like for like players aren't there. Boyle,Higgins,Andy Moran etc are once in a lifetime type of players. In 2018 seven of the Mayo starting 15 will be in their 30s a few others in their late 20s with a lot of mileage of the clock. U21 2016 AI success aside Mayos lack of success at U21 level is going to leave a big void once the transitional period begins because what a lot of the outsiders looking in don't know is 2010,11,12,13,14,15 and this year Mayo didn't even reach a Connacht U21 final.

Yondu (UK) - Posts: 845 - 22/09/2017 07:18:17    2049228

I really hope Andy Moran gives it another go - one of my favourite players to watch..

any young aspiring player should watch his movement and distribution..

MURPHB33 (Dublin) - Posts: 166 - 22/09/2017 09:51:13    2049250

TheWestIsAwake (UK) - Posts: 529 - 22/09/2017 09:59:40    2049256

1951andwaiting (Galway) - Posts: 83 - 22/09/2017 11:00:00    2049273

A number of the team will be on the wrong side of thirty come next year. So perhaps a couple of them, for different reasons, may not be involved.

So the issue for Mayo is twofold. They have to replace any retirements with at least similar quality and some how find the extra quality they have been lacking to see them be competitive enough to 'win' an All Ireland. A difficult, if not, impossible task.

Glensboy (Antrim) - Posts: 286 - 22/09/2017 11:57:27    2049294