Читать книгу The Boys of '93. Derry’s All-Ireland Kings онлайн

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Their confidence was rock bottom. But I knew where we had to start. A bit of organisation, give them a system to play to and instil a tactical awareness. There had been a lack of enthusiasm in Derry football through the years, a feeling that they couldn’t expect any level of success never mind an All-Ireland. That had to change.

I had always had a good relationship with my players since winning the All-Ireland with the minors. I’d been at Kildress in County Tyrone but at county level, the Derry minor team of ’83 was my stepping stone. I talked to them, explained what was needed so everyone could discuss what was happening and be a part of the overall effort. The night after training, I would have brought the forwards down to the house and we’d have watched tapes of the senior teams. We’d have took a bit from Kerry or from Meath and brought it into our own play, watched them and tried to develop them in training. And I was learning along with them – you’re always learning. No matter how long you’re there, everybody learns or they should do.