Derry are the real deal.
Derry are the in-form team in the moment, and their latest addition to the squad highlights how they have turned their one weakness into a strength.
When Mickey Harte took over the Oakleaf county he was fortunate to be gifted with some truly exceptional footballers, notably Conor Glass and Shane McGuigan, who can seem to do no wrong at present time.
However, although they have risen rapidly through the divisions in recent years, and won back to back Ulster titles, there was one reason why they always fell just short at the All-Ireland semi final stages.
When you get down to the top three or two teams in the country, then it’s not enough to have a brilliant starting team, you need huge depth in your squad to create competition for places, and the Ulster side probably lacked in that area.
Apart from the likes of Niall Toner, or a young Lachlan Murray, they didn’t seem to have the quality on the bench to spring into action when needed, and keep up the same level of quality that those who were starting had produced.
The former Tyrone boss looked to rectify this immediately by introducing Cormac Murphy into the squad, a direct and powerful forward from Magherafelt who dismantled the Red Hand county when the sides met two weeks ago.
Emmett Bradley was also convinced to come out of retirement, and offer an option in the half forward position or give some much needed cover in midfield for Glass and Brendan Rogers, if either of them were to pick up an injury or get a suspension.
"They're definitely operating in fourth or fifth gear when some other counties are in second or third… but they are the top team in the country, as we stand."
Can Derry keep the good vibes rolling?
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Diarmuid Baker seems to have staked his claim in the full back line as regular starter, but even three games into the National League, Harte still had another inclusion to the panel that he wanted to try out.
Watty Graham’s Glen were recently crowned as All-Ireland club champions, and people wondered why more of the players weren’t involved in the county team, because several of them clearly had the ability to be there.
Eunan Mulholland, the flying right back was one of these players, and on Saturday he was thrust into action against Monaghan, and looked like he had been a Derry senior player for years.
The club champion was driving through the Farney defence on several occasions, and set up several scores in the process, including a fine one by his club-mate Ethan Doherty.
When you consider that Murphy wasn’t even in the squad last weekend through injury, then the magnitude of the panel’s strength in depth is truly impressive, and what was once perceived as a weakness, is now undoubtedly a huge strength for the reigning Ulster champions.
Related links:
- “We have trained 65 times” Roscommon manager calls out players for missing sessions
- Paudie Clifford avoids ‘captain’s curse’ as he inspires Kerry to victory over Mayo
- Dublin finally use Con O’Callaghan properly as they overpower Roscommon
