Meath Forum

Meath Vs Mayo

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post


Replying To brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Yes i agree with most of what you say...I wonder what was Andys objective for yesterdays match ? Why not consolidate and build confidence and teamwork with our best 15 . Opportunity missed for this. Why?? I think that 15 will include Newman for frees ,and his ability to win his own ball now. Dont know how this management team works..To me it looks like yes the Kildare match is now the line in the sand. After several years it appears training sessions have to come under the microscope in terms of their objective of continuous improvement

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1227 - 31/05/2021 13:07:58    2346930

Link

Replying To nobull456:  "
Replying To brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Yes i agree with most of what you say...I wonder what was Andys objective for yesterdays match ? Why not consolidate and build confidence and teamwork with our best 15 . Opportunity missed for this. Why?? I think that 15 will include Newman for frees ,and his ability to win his own ball now. Dont know how this management team works..To me it looks like yes the Kildare match is now the line in the sand. After several years it appears training sessions have to come under the microscope in terms of their objective of continuous improvement"
The obvious why would be that it's 3 games in 14 days having had 0 competitive football (not even any club or colleges) in the prior 6 months. And only 3 weeks of collective training before that. If we went Jung Ho and came out with 2/3 serious injuries then we'd all be on here going mad about playing them in the dead rubber. Having said that I would have preferred more of a balance so we could get a better idea of the capabilities of a few guys. But the logic for resting them is clearly there

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 31/05/2021 13:19:25    2346939

Link

Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "
Replying To nobull456:  "[quote=brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Yes i agree with most of what you say...I wonder what was Andys objective for yesterdays match ? Why not consolidate and build confidence and teamwork with our best 15 . Opportunity missed for this. Why?? I think that 15 will include Newman for frees ,and his ability to win his own ball now. Dont know how this management team works..To me it looks like yes the Kildare match is now the line in the sand. After several years it appears training sessions have to come under the microscope in terms of their objective of continuous improvement"
The obvious why would be that it's 3 games in 14 days having had 0 competitive football (not even any club or colleges) in the prior 6 months. And only 3 weeks of collective training before that. If we went Jung Ho and came out with 2/3 serious injuries then we'd all be on here going mad about playing them in the dead rubber. Having said that I would have preferred more of a balance so we could get a better idea of the capabilities of a few guys. But the logic for resting them is clearly there"]I fully believe our players are well able to handle that . Remember this will be a short playing year for us. We should be trying to consolidate and continue any momentum gained .We are trying to build a team . I reckon we have them . Lost Jones unfortunately and Newman seems right again For me the only question now is who does he replace....We are not like Dublin who can chop and change and rest players on a whim. Above all we desperately need to build team confidence and momentum. Injuries may come ,but you cant make the omlet without cracking the egg .Crack the eggs !

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1227 - 31/05/2021 13:58:26    2346966

Link

Replying To royaldunne:  "Why take off mcentee? When he has been playing very well, is it just cause of who is father is ?"
No i feel hes not good enuf and in time this will be told.but to make him captain and then say we have to start him regardless has me wondering is that a tactic.
But when your on the subject why pick harkin hes been struggling with that position hes in.black cards needless fouls.why pick conlon in half forward position. No power in him to get thru tackles.why pick mickey up 14 when no game time to start.
Please expand on these.i know you didnt say about captaincy but its been bandied about on here.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 488 - 31/05/2021 15:00:43    2347007

Link

I think he will go with the following starters

Colgan
Lavin
McGill
Ryan
Hickey
McEntee
Keoghan
Menton
Harnan
Devine
McMahon
Costello
Morris
Newman
O Sullivan

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 31/05/2021 15:10:32    2347018

Link

Replying To brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Andy said himself that he has to try an build up the team after that mess yesterday. The main problem for me was in defense. It was a total mess. There didn't seem to be any plan. We where exposed on one on ones all over the shop. Mayo players having time to time to kick pass the ball at our 45 to the Mayo inside forward line 2 or 3 times it happened.

I watched Armagh v Donegal the other night. And any time either team got close to the 45 they where pounced like and bunch of terriers. Dirmaid O'Connor got the ball in on our 45 yesterday and there wasnt a man with in 20 meters of him.
Lads standing of players it was the some similar to the Leinster final against Dublin with Meath players standing off there markers second team or not this is very worrying. Especially when we would have known we where going to concede a lot of ball in the midfield to Mayo where was the plan to defend ? Naturally I dont blame management entirely obviously players need to take responsibility. But they where not helped by a more solid defensive game plan. They game was effectively over after 20 to 25 minutes.

bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1263 - 31/05/2021 15:16:33    2347020

Link

Replying To Bear10:  "I think he will go with the following starters

Colgan
Lavin
McGill
Ryan
Hickey
McEntee
Keoghan
Menton
Harnan
Devine
McMahon
Costello
Morris
Newman
O Sullivan"
Like the look of it and if Newman is fit to start I reckon that's what it will be

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 31/05/2021 15:41:59    2347039

Link

Replying To brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
And who would you suggest bringing in instead. Your the poster boy for nonsensical ramblings on here for what I can see. Some of your messages make me think you never even kicked a ball in our life ???? Just cause you go to the effort of a long post doesn't mean any of it makes sense. I prefer quality ahead of quantity

southmeathgael (Meath) - Posts: 890 - 31/05/2021 15:54:18    2347051

Link

Brian conlon was poor yesterday, that's why he was taken off. He's not a poor player, but he was poor yesterday and to suggest he gets left on cause the ball hit off him and into the net is mad

southmeathgael (Meath) - Posts: 890 - 31/05/2021 15:56:14    2347053

Link

Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Like the look of it and if Newman is fit to start I reckon that's what it will be"
Yes that's about our best 15. Critical now how training time is used to get the best out of that team. That's the focus. No need for any messing by naming dummy team or anything else. There is a job to be done and it's the last lap

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1227 - 31/05/2021 16:28:46    2347074

Link

100% agree South Meath Gael. The succession plan with Bernard Flynn and John McCarthy is reliant on 2 years with the under 20's for Bernard Flynn. It would be very short term-ist to rip either of them away and manage the seniors would destroy the continuity from under 17 to under 20 which has been our massive underage failing since 2016. Maybe Colm O'Rourke could step up because he does have a good coaching resume in fairness. Somebody on this forum said he wouldn't be interested but I find it hard to see him turning it down. A win in 2 weeks time though and it's a mute point because Andy would definitely be kept on for 2022

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 31/05/2021 16:37:39    2347082

Link

Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Like the look of it and if Newman is fit to start I reckon that's what it will be"
Poor performance yesterday and I agree very tough on panel members to make an impression when they are playing in an unorganized/new team against a very good Mayo side. Better option would have been to try out 4/5 new players (one per line) for first half yesterday and then give out more experienced players a rest.

Shane McEntee is a definite starter for me. He is our captain and controls and organises our defence. He is the equivalent to Jordan Henderson for Liverpool. He won't do anything special but he'll work hard, be a leader and allow players around him to shine. Only problem is his discipline and he's fond of a black card. Lot of people on here give him an awful lot of stick for being the managers son but for me he has to start. Against better teams we can't afford this. Harkin has two now in two games and he hasn't done enough while he's on the pitch to warrant a starting place taking his lack of discipline into account as well.

Yesterday I was impressed with Jack O'Connor. He has pace to burn, and took a lovely score off his left. Giving him a chance in with the regular starters will allow him to show his true potential. Jason Scully and James Conlon done well. Hogan was poor and let in a shot that any inter-county keeper has to save. David Dillon and Jack Flynn also done themselves no favours and neither did Brian Conlon. One moment in particular stuck in my mind and that was when Mayo won there penalty from a Menton foul. The Mayo man ran by Conlon like he wasn't there.

Based off yesterdays performance our squad depth is a big issue. We need lads like James Mc, Jones and Newman back fully fit.

Starting team for me is:

Colgan
Lavin
McGill
Ryan*
Keogan
Shane Mc
Hickey*
Menton
Harnan
Jack O Connor*
Thomas O'Reilly*
Ethan Devine*
Bryan McMahon*
Cillian O'Sullivan
Jordan Morris

Two Wallace's, James Conlon, Jason Scully, Newman all to come on.

We are short on back-up defenders - We need James Mc back. Harkin has done ok. Conlon is great athlete and plays great with club maybe needs more of a chance (lack of O'Byrne Cup games this year would of helped lads out).

DMman (Meath) - Posts: 17 - 31/05/2021 20:10:28    2347159

Link

Replying To DMman:  "Poor performance yesterday and I agree very tough on panel members to make an impression when they are playing in an unorganized/new team against a very good Mayo side. Better option would have been to try out 4/5 new players (one per line) for first half yesterday and then give out more experienced players a rest.

Shane McEntee is a definite starter for me. He is our captain and controls and organises our defence. He is the equivalent to Jordan Henderson for Liverpool. He won't do anything special but he'll work hard, be a leader and allow players around him to shine. Only problem is his discipline and he's fond of a black card. Lot of people on here give him an awful lot of stick for being the managers son but for me he has to start. Against better teams we can't afford this. Harkin has two now in two games and he hasn't done enough while he's on the pitch to warrant a starting place taking his lack of discipline into account as well.

Yesterday I was impressed with Jack O'Connor. He has pace to burn, and took a lovely score off his left. Giving him a chance in with the regular starters will allow him to show his true potential. Jason Scully and James Conlon done well. Hogan was poor and let in a shot that any inter-county keeper has to save. David Dillon and Jack Flynn also done themselves no favours and neither did Brian Conlon. One moment in particular stuck in my mind and that was when Mayo won there penalty from a Menton foul. The Mayo man ran by Conlon like he wasn't there.

Based off yesterdays performance our squad depth is a big issue. We need lads like James Mc, Jones and Newman back fully fit.

Starting team for me is:

Colgan
Lavin
McGill
Ryan*
Keogan
Shane Mc
Hickey*
Menton
Harnan
Jack O Connor*
Thomas O'Reilly*
Ethan Devine*
Bryan McMahon*
Cillian O'Sullivan
Jordan Morris

Two Wallace's, James Conlon, Jason Scully, Newman all to come on.

We are short on back-up defenders - We need James Mc back. Harkin has done ok. Conlon is great athlete and plays great with club maybe needs more of a chance (lack of O'Byrne Cup games this year would of helped lads out)."
This squad didnt pick itself.who takes blame for that.we have 2 lads walked again already regardless of people saying its about not been committed i feel its more about not getting a real chance.and not feeling they really will.look at other teams and if you get a yellow or black your pretty much off for rest of game management take control of this.thats a rule in our team for some and not others.
As regards our half backs they should be athletic mobile units that defend and probe forward to get on end of things.
Yday was a mess in my book really felt lads thrown out to the lions.im angry so ill leave it at that.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 488 - 31/05/2021 21:28:40    2347193

Link

Replying To brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Good post.

I've kind of already given up on him tbh and I was very excited when he got the job!

The players have worked like dogs for him and he hasn't a lot of luck or breaks it's fair to say (narrow qualifier losses to Donegal and Tyrone in Navan spring to mind.

However I feel sorry for the players who have worked so hard yet been given such poor game plans and have been left so often rudderless at times. It doesn't look like it's much craic playing for Meath. Work like dogs to get ball up the field and win a free only to see it kicked wide over and over as no free taker picked or trained up. Be under the cosh on your own kick out and yet have no escape plan prepared for you. Be humiliated in Croke Park by Dublin as seemingly no effective game plan to counter Dublin and your manager has a keeper in goals who can't kick it over their press and in any case, he has no decent fielders picked either even if he could kick it that far.

I really do have great admiration for this bunch of players. I don't know how the likes of Menton and Keoghan showing up for example. Great Meath men but sadly, for me they've been let down time and time again by this management team.

Crinigan (Meath) - Posts: 1319 - 31/05/2021 22:04:16    2347213

Link

Replying To Crinigan:  "
Replying To brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Good post.

I've kind of already given up on him tbh and I was very excited when he got the job!

The players have worked like dogs for him and he hasn't a lot of luck or breaks it's fair to say (narrow qualifier losses to Donegal and Tyrone in Navan spring to mind.

However I feel sorry for the players who have worked so hard yet been given such poor game plans and have been left so often rudderless at times. It doesn't look like it's much craic playing for Meath. Work like dogs to get ball up the field and win a free only to see it kicked wide over and over as no free taker picked or trained up. Be under the cosh on your own kick out and yet have no escape plan prepared for you. Be humiliated in Croke Park by Dublin as seemingly no effective game plan to counter Dublin and your manager has a keeper in goals who can't kick it over their press and in any case, he has no decent fielders picked either even if he could kick it that far.

I really do have great admiration for this bunch of players. I don't know how the likes of Menton and Keoghan showing up for example. Great Meath men but sadly, for me they've been let down time and time again by this management team."
I'm sure Menton and Keoghan much rather this set up where everybody is wholly committed rather than the last one where that clearly wasn't the case given the shape and attitude of players. And I'm sure they enjoyed being in the super 8's and being in division 1. I too admire them so much for their commitment to playing for 10 years with teammates who mostly aren't on a level with them. But the finger of blame they could point is those who ran terrible underage teams for the guts of 10 years who didn't supply the team. Heard a good point from Andy Moran. It's likely Menton and Keoghan won't win anything with Meath. But because of them sticking around and giving everything they have and setting standards then maybe the Matt Costello's, Cathal Hickey's, Jordy Morris, Shane Walsh's etc. can bring back winning times when they hit their primes

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 31/05/2021 22:44:05    2347237

Link

Very harsh comments on the team here I feel, yet again damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Didn't see anyone here suggesting before the game to sprinkle in new players with the experience but Mayo do it and win so now everyone knows that was the obvious thing to do.

If we started a full team and lost players to injury the exact same lads would be tearing into management for going out and trying to beat a top team in a dead rubber, God forbid if we bet them it wouldn't even of counted is most people's book. What even makes Mayo a top team, you might argue they're closer to Dublin than us but they're still nowhere near good enough to beat them even on their best day, last year's AI final was Dublin playing keep ball from 50 minutes on.

I am like most frustrated with kick out and free taking short comings but talk of manager losing his job over a game not even played yet is ludicrous and disrespectful.

We would have a shot at any other provincial honours but alas we are in the same province as Dublin which means our only realistic shout at a trophy is a division 2 league.

We are 1 game away from being back to where we want to be and everyone would have taken that 3 weeks ago.

We have become more consistent and harder to beat under Andy again with the exception of Dublin but every county is boat as us there.

Lads have a short memory and would've called Kildare a top 8 team over the past 10 years but like Mayo they flatter to deceive, chopping and changing manager every couple of years did nothing for us after Sean and lads here calling for a return to that nonsense again!

RoyalSteel (Meath) - Posts: 18 - 01/06/2021 09:13:44    2347269

Link

Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "
Replying To Crinigan:  "[quote=brian:  "Welp I'm not sure what to make of yesterday at all.

Firstly, what was the point of naming a team and the making 8 changes before the match. Andy has made some strange calls in his time and this was right up there withe the best of them. I remember Banty did similar in his time and was rIghtly called out on it. We started Hogan, Dillon, Flynn and O'Connor for the first time in a competitive match. Brian Conlon started after no game time in rounds one and two, scores a goal and once again gets hauled off by Andy. If Conlon walks away again don't think we can have any complaints. There's a great player within him but Andy seems oblivious to that player.

To start a team like he did, with 8 pre game changes against a top side like Mayo was beyond a joke. If this comes back and bites him in the ass and we don't get a result v Kildare then its time Andy was shown the door.

Indiscipline
As someone has said previously indiscipline is going to hurt this team badly. 4 black cards across the last two games and Harkin has picked up 2 of them, take a seat on the bench young man. I used to give Shane Gallagher an awful time of it but he'd be a welcome sight in this team. At least he fouled in the corners where free's were difficult. We're giving awa far too many simple and easy free's and this will only increase against better opposition, We've 2 of the best referee's in the country, how are we not availing of some guidance from them. Dublin do it with Joe McQuillan, so why can't we. Its the same lazy tackles every time.

Kickouts
Again the lack of strategy will kill us. Mayo knew what to do as does every team in Ireland and yet we kicked balls figuratively right into their hands. Asking where's the next great midfielder who can take a mark is a nonsense when we don't have a competent strategy to restart the game. Every team in the country has some kind of strategy and yet here we are year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing.

Free taking
We'd 3 new free takers today in Flynn, Banty and Newman. Not sure if i remember O'Connor taking any but same old failings. Flynn had no routine and missed 3 free's. A free taking routine is an absolute starting point and he didn't even have that. A big boot yes, but an accurate one, no. Again year 5 under Andy McEntee and still the same old failing. Get it sorted out Andy, one free taker, get them with a kicking coach and develop their technique. I haven't the first cousin of a coach badge or qualification and i know this.

Attacking plan
Still no composure from some players and working a score from a high percentage shot. Our conversion rate is awful and we are only about 50% at best in scoring terms from chances created. This is abysmal, we lack an understanding to not take pot shots and work the ball to a player in a better position. The best teams in the country have conversion rates in the 80% range and that's where we need to get to.

This game v Kildare is Andy's make or break game. He needs to absolutely nail this one or I'm afraid for me it should be curtains, there's some very god players there but I don't think he is getting the best out of them and his own tactics and inability to change could ultimately cost him his job."
Good post.

I've kind of already given up on him tbh and I was very excited when he got the job!

The players have worked like dogs for him and he hasn't a lot of luck or breaks it's fair to say (narrow qualifier losses to Donegal and Tyrone in Navan spring to mind.

However I feel sorry for the players who have worked so hard yet been given such poor game plans and have been left so often rudderless at times. It doesn't look like it's much craic playing for Meath. Work like dogs to get ball up the field and win a free only to see it kicked wide over and over as no free taker picked or trained up. Be under the cosh on your own kick out and yet have no escape plan prepared for you. Be humiliated in Croke Park by Dublin as seemingly no effective game plan to counter Dublin and your manager has a keeper in goals who can't kick it over their press and in any case, he has no decent fielders picked either even if he could kick it that far.

I really do have great admiration for this bunch of players. I don't know how the likes of Menton and Keoghan showing up for example. Great Meath men but sadly, for me they've been let down time and time again by this management team."
I'm sure Menton and Keoghan much rather this set up where everybody is wholly committed rather than the last one where that clearly wasn't the case given the shape and attitude of players. And I'm sure they enjoyed being in the super 8's and being in division 1. I too admire them so much for their commitment to playing for 10 years with teammates who mostly aren't on a level with them. But the finger of blame they could point is those who ran terrible underage teams for the guts of 10 years who didn't supply the team. Heard a good point from Andy Moran. It's likely Menton and Keoghan won't win anything with Meath. But because of them sticking around and giving everything they have and setting standards then maybe the Matt Costello's, Cathal Hickey's, Jordy Morris, Shane Walsh's etc. can bring back winning times when they hit their primes"]Well said sir. Well said

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 01/06/2021 12:11:02    2347346

Link

Replying To RoyalSteel:  "Very harsh comments on the team here I feel, yet again damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Didn't see anyone here suggesting before the game to sprinkle in new players with the experience but Mayo do it and win so now everyone knows that was the obvious thing to do.

If we started a full team and lost players to injury the exact same lads would be tearing into management for going out and trying to beat a top team in a dead rubber, God forbid if we bet them it wouldn't even of counted is most people's book. What even makes Mayo a top team, you might argue they're closer to Dublin than us but they're still nowhere near good enough to beat them even on their best day, last year's AI final was Dublin playing keep ball from 50 minutes on.

I am like most frustrated with kick out and free taking short comings but talk of manager losing his job over a game not even played yet is ludicrous and disrespectful.

We would have a shot at any other provincial honours but alas we are in the same province as Dublin which means our only realistic shout at a trophy is a division 2 league.

We are 1 game away from being back to where we want to be and everyone would have taken that 3 weeks ago.

We have become more consistent and harder to beat under Andy again with the exception of Dublin but every county is boat as us there.

Lads have a short memory and would've called Kildare a top 8 team over the past 10 years but like Mayo they flatter to deceive, chopping and changing manager every couple of years did nothing for us after Sean and lads here calling for a return to that nonsense again!"
I was nearly giving up on this forum, you have restored my faith in Meath supporters.
Excellent post.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 01/06/2021 12:20:00    2347349

Link

Replying To royaldunne:  "I was nearly giving up on this forum, you have restored my faith in Meath supporters.
Excellent post."
Ffs Royal Steel ;)

Crinigan (Meath) - Posts: 1319 - 01/06/2021 22:20:43    2347549

Link

Replying To RoyalSteel:  "Very harsh comments on the team here I feel, yet again damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Didn't see anyone here suggesting before the game to sprinkle in new players with the experience but Mayo do it and win so now everyone knows that was the obvious thing to do.

If we started a full team and lost players to injury the exact same lads would be tearing into management for going out and trying to beat a top team in a dead rubber, God forbid if we bet them it wouldn't even of counted is most people's book. What even makes Mayo a top team, you might argue they're closer to Dublin than us but they're still nowhere near good enough to beat them even on their best day, last year's AI final was Dublin playing keep ball from 50 minutes on.

I am like most frustrated with kick out and free taking short comings but talk of manager losing his job over a game not even played yet is ludicrous and disrespectful.

We would have a shot at any other provincial honours but alas we are in the same province as Dublin which means our only realistic shout at a trophy is a division 2 league.

We are 1 game away from being back to where we want to be and everyone would have taken that 3 weeks ago.

We have become more consistent and harder to beat under Andy again with the exception of Dublin but every county is boat as us there.

Lads have a short memory and would've called Kildare a top 8 team over the past 10 years but like Mayo they flatter to deceive, chopping and changing manager every couple of years did nothing for us after Sean and lads here calling for a return to that nonsense again!"
Royal Steel good post and some great point in it but I'd disagree with some of your points. I think plenty of people suggested maybe throwing in a few lads and giving them an opportunity, rest senior players and give things a go. I think with respect Andy tried doing that with the starting team he named on Saturday morning naming players in places with a couple of experienced guys around them but then totally changed things prior to kick off. Had those 15 lads even played together in training never mind the intensity of league match. Mayo sprinkled some new guys with experience and their better players played to the standards Mayo have set for themselves over the past number of years. A consistent top 4 standard.

You ask what makes Mayo a top team, well multiple connacht titles, all ireland semi finals and finals appearances and given Dublin their best matches over the last 6 years. Mayo have been closer than anyone to beating Dublin. They got to an all ireland final last year with a team in transition. Multiple players in their first and second year playing key roles in getting them there in Oisin Mullen, Matthew Ruane, James Carr and Tommy Conroy. This Meath team would be immeasurably better having those four in it.

Your contention that we'd challenge for provincial titles in any other province is just not true. When have we last beat a Kerry, Mayo or Donegal/Tyrone. Its that long ago I honestly can't remember. We might make a final (which we do in Leinster) but we'd not beat those teams ahead of us. 2009 v Mayo in an all ireland quarter final is my last recall on beating a top side. Nothing since then...

I do agree with you in that this is where we wanted to be after 3 games. In a playoff to get back to division one. Lets wait until there's an outcome of that before we decide on anything. I said if they lose Andy is in trouble and its hard to make a case for him being retained. Bernard Flynn if he is Andy's successor will have had a year at U20, John Mccarthy would get 2/3 years at U20 and we'd have them working with incoming players and know what they can or can't do, and if they'd be suitable for senior football. It would also allow them time to bring a system and style of team from Minor through U20 to senior by the time John McCarthy would be taking over or getting involved with the senior team.

No one is suggesting chopping and changing but lets not forget 2 of the 3 managers after Sean got us to All Ireland Semi finals and a Leinster title.

In all honesty I'd raise the question are Meath any closer to being a top team than they were when Mick O'Dowd took over. I don't think they are. Andy deserves huge credit for dragging this team back from the brink but he's not without his failings. In his 5 years can we say we're closer to the top teams I would argue we're not. And 5 years is enough time to give someone to get things to where we'd hope they would be. The same old failings and Andy's stubornness to not address them will also be a fact that will not be in his favour.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1954 - 02/06/2021 11:46:25    2347652

Link