Judging from some of the posts, we are still in denial that our running game is a losers game. The u21s failed using it. The minors failed using it last year spectacularly v galway never mind this year against a very mediocre Antrim team in Ballybofey. I am sensing that somehow, if we use bigger bulked up players, all will be well again. This is not going to happen. I believe that if we go out next year and play our running game up and fail to utilize our forwards with good early ball, then we are going to not only get beaten well out the gate by the strong teams, but also by the mediocre teams too.

Whoever comes in will have to start to use a long ball or at least have it as a strategy for large parts of the game. Our legs are not able for this any more. We are carrying the ball into tackles now and it is an almost inevitable turn over of possession.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3846 - 09/08/2017 11:15:27    2031488

Having watched Donegal over the past 3 years ubder Rory I am convinced there were some tactical changes from Jim's time in charge. We were far more defensive under Rory, only 1 man up front on his own whereas Jim always kept 2 up top ans sonetimes 3 - McFadden, Murphy and McBrearty. The other change was to a total running game with no variation to our play. If you look back at a highlights package from us in 2012 you will see plenty of scores from direct play.

Great to hear your comments again and keep posting.
Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts:823 - 09/08/2017 08:43:21

Rory Gallagher did change Donegal's tactics, It looks like he was converting to Tyrone's zonal defensive system, but the Donegal defenders didn't totally understand who should be picking up attackers as they ran at the Donegal defence. So even tho Donegal had a load of defenders back, they just weren't functioning properly as a unit. The core reason for that by my estimates was he didn't know his starting lineup, particularly around half forward/back positions. A defensive unit need to know their own individual roles and the collective defensive unit role inside out, and that was not the case this year for Donegal.

Regarding lack of variation in play, Donegal's cross diagonal attacking runs had been studied very closely and neutralised more effectively this season. A weak midfield and loose defence seen Donegal launching most attacks from their full back line, and the constantly carrying ball into contact didn't help. One other note too, You have a big powerful mobile superstar forward in Michael Murphy, who is wasted running all over the field. He should be roaming inside the oppositions 45 or half of the pitch at all times, himself and McBrearty are serious forwards when combined.

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 09/08/2017 19:02:13    2031731

The nominations are believed to be Gary McDaid, Declan Bonner, Banty, Cathal Corey, Sean Paul Barrett but with also rumours circulating today that Oisin McConville and Tony McEntee have possibly being nominated.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2825 - 29/08/2017 13:34:57    2040055

Interesting, I think Gary McDaid would be my choice with the backroom team that's been mentioned.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3072 - 29/08/2017 22:38:11    2040448

Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1904 - 30/08/2017 11:17:36    2040656