|
Replying To Lockjaw: "I think in fairness to Gallagher he did blood a lot of new young players into the squad. Can remember Jason McGee, Langan, Ban, Gillespie, Mulligan, Brennan, O'Baoíll and Carroll being introduced, whilst at the same time, experienced lads like Lacey, Eamon McGee, big Neil, Rory Kav, Tony Thompson were getting near the end. Those young lads that I mentioned were and are quality operators but maybe were a bit too inexperienced for senior county football during Gallagher's reign.
But as they grew into it, Declan had taken over by then and maybe they were better equipped, leading us to the Ulster titles you mentioned. I'm not saying that Declan was lucky or anything. He managed those lads well and had us playing lovely football. Just perhaps that the timing was good for him. He still had an experienced cohort in the likes of Murphy, McGlynn, Neil McGee, McLoone, Hugh McFadden etc, but also had those young lads who had by then gotten a good feel for county football and who were mad hungry to start winning titles." I agree Rory blooded young players, but he also alienated players who Jim McGuinness was grooming or had identified to replace Lacey, McGlynn or Thompson. Declan Walsh (Malin) and Leo McLoone are two examples, Ridiculous stuff, by 2017 he was fielding a load of inexperienced players against Galway in Sligo because thats all he had left.
I recall after that thumping defeat to Galway in 2017 many posters saying it would take a 2-5 year rebuild job to get us competing again. Then Declan Bonner arrives in, bring Leo McLoone back and opens the door to all and we win McKenna Cup, Division 2 title and back to back Ulster titles in 2018 & 2019. It proved that a rebuild wasn't needed, just a rethink.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 08/02/2024 22:12:58
2525172
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Commodore: "I think you make a good point, if a manager isn't achieving in the first 2 years in some way (Promotion or silverware) the buy-in from the players will possibly deteriorate and the team will start to lose momentum.
I think Rory Gallagher's stint in charge of Donegal didn't simply fail due lack of success in year 1 and 2, I can think of two key reasons really.
1. I suspect he brought baggage to the Donegal job 2015 - 2017 from his time as Jim's assistant, the subsequent fall out and maybe from his involvement with Kilcar and Killybegs and relationships with those players.
2. He repeatedly showed his tactical hand too early in the year and the big teams, found us easy pickings in the latter part of the year. I think that trend continued into his time managing Derry." Could it be argued that you're better winning trophies in year 3/4 of your managerial stint that the initial two years. Look at Declan. Definitely overachieved in the first two years with the young crop of lads that was coming through. Then in year 3 and 4 pressure built. Saying that his record was brilliant and of course you can't pick and choose when to win, just funny how it works out at times.
When you're looking at the panel Declan had and compare it now to Jim's there's not much of a difference. The stand out one being Murphy. It's basically the same players a year or two older which is really interesting in a sense because many people outside Donegal have thrown the same three names out when talking about our talent "Murphy, Mc Brearty and Mc Hugh" and they dont realise the other stand out players we have. So it would be nice in the sense to show those outside the county what we really have.
While Jim is trying to dull expectations we still have a talented squad. It will take him time to implement game plans and style so early success will not be guaranteed and patience needed but if we stay injury free and find a man marking corner back, we will be very close.
TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1170 - 09/02/2024 09:33:08
2525194
Link
0
|
|
Replying To TheRock2121: "Could it be argued that you're better winning trophies in year 3/4 of your managerial stint that the initial two years. Look at Declan. Definitely overachieved in the first two years with the young crop of lads that was coming through. Then in year 3 and 4 pressure built. Saying that his record was brilliant and of course you can't pick and choose when to win, just funny how it works out at times.
When you're looking at the panel Declan had and compare it now to Jim's there's not much of a difference. The stand out one being Murphy. It's basically the same players a year or two older which is really interesting in a sense because many people outside Donegal have thrown the same three names out when talking about our talent "Murphy, Mc Brearty and Mc Hugh" and they dont realise the other stand out players we have. So it would be nice in the sense to show those outside the county what we really have.
While Jim is trying to dull expectations we still have a talented squad. It will take him time to implement game plans and style so early success will not be guaranteed and patience needed but if we stay injury free and find a man marking corner back, we will be very close." I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 09/02/2024 10:14:05
2525198
Link
2
|
|
Replying To TheRock2121: "Could it be argued that you're better winning trophies in year 3/4 of your managerial stint that the initial two years. Look at Declan. Definitely overachieved in the first two years with the young crop of lads that was coming through. Then in year 3 and 4 pressure built. Saying that his record was brilliant and of course you can't pick and choose when to win, just funny how it works out at times.
When you're looking at the panel Declan had and compare it now to Jim's there's not much of a difference. The stand out one being Murphy. It's basically the same players a year or two older which is really interesting in a sense because many people outside Donegal have thrown the same three names out when talking about our talent "Murphy, Mc Brearty and Mc Hugh" and they dont realise the other stand out players we have. So it would be nice in the sense to show those outside the county what we really have.
While Jim is trying to dull expectations we still have a talented squad. It will take him time to implement game plans and style so early success will not be guaranteed and patience needed but if we stay injury free and find a man marking corner back, we will be very close." Regarding winning trophies in year 3 or 4, I think some signs of progression are needed in years 1 and 2, that doesn't necessarily need to be winning trophies, but could be league promotion or going further in Championship than previous years. Basically something to show players that their training efforts are proving fruitful and taking them in the right direction.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 09/02/2024 10:21:54
2525201
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." There's no doubt if we have all our players available with a fully fit squad that we're as good as most teams. But what I'm saying all along once the niggles start and we start losing players then we drop out of say a top 6. We don't have a squad to lose players like mc Cole, langan. Gallen. Eoin ban Shaun Patton These are all players who in my eyes are irreplaceable .people will say injuries happen of course they do but we're not as well equipped as the big teams to deal with it. The two all Ireland s we win we were lucky that way, we always seem to have all our big names playing.. so here's hoping for an injury free year to gave us a chance.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 09/02/2024 10:48:33
2525205
Link
0
|
|
Replying To rorysboys: "You seem to have a fascination with me. Do you search all my posts but as usual when I ask you a question like I did yesterday about Shaun Patton you had no answer. lol." Not really - I don't have much interest in reading most of the waffle.
What did u ask about Sean ?
eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1614 - 09/02/2024 11:47:17
2525216
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Commodore: "I agree Rory blooded young players, but he also alienated players who Jim McGuinness was grooming or had identified to replace Lacey, McGlynn or Thompson. Declan Walsh (Malin) and Leo McLoone are two examples, Ridiculous stuff, by 2017 he was fielding a load of inexperienced players against Galway in Sligo because thats all he had left.
I recall after that thumping defeat to Galway in 2017 many posters saying it would take a 2-5 year rebuild job to get us competing again. Then Declan Bonner arrives in, bring Leo McLoone back and opens the door to all and we win McKenna Cup, Division 2 title and back to back Ulster titles in 2018 & 2019. It proved that a rebuild wasn't needed, just a rethink." He fielded a load of inexperienced players against Galway ???? That's just not true at all.
Paddy mc grath , n mc gee, Ryan mc hugh, mark mc hugh, Frank mc glynn , Eoin mc hugh, paddy Mc breaty , m Murphy, Hugh mc fadden etc all started that day I'm pretty sure with Martin mc Elhen ,k Lacey , Marty o Reilly entering from the bench.
There is plenty of experience in that team..
eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1614 - 09/02/2024 11:52:19
2525217
Link
0
|
|
Replying To eunans4ever: "Not really - I don't have much interest in reading most of the waffle.
What did u ask about Sean ?" Go back two days and find out, too busy to be asking a question a third time. If you don't have the answer I understand . Mo chara
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 09/02/2024 13:09:45
2525227
Link
0
|
|
Replying To rorysboys: " Replying To Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." There's no doubt if we have all our players available with a fully fit squad that we're as good as most teams. But what I'm saying all along once the niggles start and we start losing players then we drop out of say a top 6. We don't have a squad to lose players like mc Cole, langan. Gallen. Eoin ban Shaun Patton These are all players who in my eyes are irreplaceable .people will say injuries happen of course they do but we're not as well equipped as the big teams to deal with it. The two all Ireland s we win we were lucky that way, we always seem to have all our big names playing.. so here's hoping for an injury free year to gave us a chance."
Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 383 - 09/02/2024 13:32:10
2525230
Link
0
|
|
Replying To rorysboys: " Replying To Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." There's no doubt if we have all our players available with a fully fit squad that we're as good as most teams. But what I'm saying all along once the niggles start and we start losing players then we drop out of say a top 6. We don't have a squad to lose players like mc Cole, langan. Gallen. Eoin ban Shaun Patton These are all players who in my eyes are irreplaceable .people will say injuries happen of course they do but we're not as well equipped as the big teams to deal with it. The two all Ireland s we win we were lucky that way, we always seem to have all our big names playing.. so here's hoping for an injury free year to gave us a chance."
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2266 - 09/02/2024 10:48:33
I agree, but to be fair I think if Kerry lost David Clifford or Sean O'Shea etc, they would struggle to do anything, same for Mayo or even Dublin if Con O'Callaghan, James McCarthy and Stephen Cluxton are missing.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 09/02/2024 14:10:28
2525233
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much..
RoryGall35 (Donegal) - Posts: 181 - 09/02/2024 16:04:01
2525245
Link
0
|
|
Replying To RoryGall35: " Replying To Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
If Donegal beat Derry in the championship it will not be because Donegal have the best players, it will be because McGuinnes prepared his team better than Mickey Harte.
I'd expect Jim to bring something new to Gaelic football that nobody else has done before but he way wait until next year before he plays that hand and use this season to get the conditioning, defensive setup and transitions etc etc all nailed down first.
Tirchonailabu56 (Donegal) - Posts: 21 - 09/02/2024 21:39:54
2525266
Link
1
|
|
Gallen is the next donegal star.. he impressed me when he destroyed us last year.. kicked points from everywhere
Farney#1 (Monaghan) - Posts: 6 - 10/02/2024 01:59:29
2525285
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Tirchonailabu56: " Replying To RoryGall35: "[quote=Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
If Donegal beat Derry in the championship it will not be because Donegal have the best players, it will be because McGuinnes prepared his team better than Mickey Harte.
I'd expect Jim to bring something new to Gaelic football that nobody else has done before but he way wait until next year before he plays that hand and use this season to get the conditioning, defensive setup and transitions etc etc all nailed down first."]Not sure a lot of interesting matches.
Patton v Lynch.
Mc Cole v Mc Guigan
Michael Langan v Glass
Peder Mogan v Ethan Doherty
Gallan v Mc Evoy
Paddy v Mc Kaigue
Eoin Ban v Mc Faul
Shane o Donnell v Mc Kinless
Thompson v Rodgers
Ryan v Mc Cluskey?
Only potential match ups but I wouldn't be writing any of our lads off winning their individual tussle. Game plans win games but just highlighting we have a lot of match winners ourselves.
Hopefully with injuries allowing we should have Jamie, Niall and Conor O Donnell coming from the bench. Maybe even save Odhran Doherty for the closing stages.
TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1170 - 10/02/2024 10:13:03
2525295
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Tirchonailabu56: " Replying To RoryGall35: "[quote=Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
If Donegal beat Derry in the championship it will not be because Donegal have the best players, it will be because McGuinnes prepared his team better than Mickey Harte.
I'd expect Jim to bring something new to Gaelic football that nobody else has done before but he way wait until next year before he plays that hand and use this season to get the conditioning, defensive setup and transitions etc etc all nailed down first."]I don't think Derry have a better or stronger squad of players, the bulk of their team are probably marginally ahead of us in terms of S&C development in the last year or two, so physically speaking they probably have an edge on our fringe or squad players, but despite this there isn't much between us at full strength.
The big problem is Donegal is that we couldn't settle on a back six in the last 6 or 7 years, unfortunately we have shortage of visionary managers who can adapt players for key roles, most coaches in Donegal seem to need ready made midfielders or centre half backs or corner backs etc. Whereas a great manager will adapt players to plug gaps, not just tell them "You're playing corner back on Sunday", but spend months developing them for that specific role.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 10/02/2024 13:18:33
2525308
Link
0
|
|
Replying To RoryGall35: " Replying To Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
I also think Donegal currently have a crop of players who are arguably better than the 2012 team, a stronger overall squad, we just haven't got momentum our traction to take them to the next level.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 10/02/2024 13:29:24
2525312
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Commodore: " Replying To RoryGall35: "[quote=Commodore: "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.
In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.
Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.
Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this." I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
I also think Donegal currently have a crop of players who are arguably better than the 2012 team, a stronger overall squad, we just haven't got momentum our traction to take them to the next level."]Better squad than 2012 time will tell. I doubt it a lot of loose talk going on here. But that's nothing new. We have played Cavan and cork two average teams. By saying we have a better squad what are you basing it on. For a start the 12 team had brilliant teak tough defenders. Neil Gallagher brilliant in midfield and a marquee full forward line.. hope your proven right but as I say I doubt it
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 10/02/2024 14:44:01
2525320
Link
0
|
|
Talk about getting carried away... Some of the posts in here recently after 2 wins against two very average division 2 teams. People saying some of our players are among the best in the country, talk of the squad being better that the 2012 squad. Everyone needs to take a step back, lower the expectations a bit.
greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 531 - 10/02/2024 15:09:24
2525324
Link
4
|
|
Replying To greenfan: "Talk about getting carried away... Some of the posts in here recently after 2 wins against two very average division 2 teams. People saying some of our players are among the best in the country, talk of the squad being better that the 2012 squad. Everyone needs to take a step back, lower the expectations a bit." Foolish talk all right, please stop making a fool of ourselves. I've. Spoken to. A few called fans who are round booking hotels in Dublin.. one of them said they hadn't been at a game since all Ireland final 2014..
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 10/02/2024 17:08:08
2525336
Link
0
|
|
Replying To greenfan: "Talk about getting carried away... Some of the posts in here recently after 2 wins against two very average division 2 teams. People saying some of our players are among the best in the country, talk of the squad being better that the 2012 squad. Everyone needs to take a step back, lower the expectations a bit." Agree completely. People are getting a bit too excited and carried away. Now it's great that there is a bit of optimism back and things are looking good so far. But we're a division 2 team at the moment. And in the grand scheme of things still well behind Dublin, Kerry, Derry, Mayo, Galway, and maybe even Tyrone. I would put us in the same group as Armagh, Monaghan and Roscommon. I feel like we could beat any of those 3 on our day. That's not to say we couldn't put up a fight against the first group of teams but we aren't at their level yet and we wouldn't be favourites against any of those teams.
Langan a great player as well but player of the season? There's about 50 players ahead of him in the running for that according the the bookies and when you see the list of names you can see why. He's 80/1 if anyone does fancy giving the bookies a few pound.
We need to reign in our expectations a lot, especially this season. Hopefully we are building something for the future though with a good spine of Patton, Mccole, Ban, McGonagle, Langan, Thompson and Gallan.
FootballGuy (Donegal) - Posts: 244 - 10/02/2024 17:16:46
2525337
Link
0
|