Offaly Senior Footballers - Planning for 2025, Mickey Harte onboard

[Bord na Mona man]

Do the clubs and/or players not get a say in this at some stage?

Historically, giving Offaly clubs a say in the hiring and firing of managers has not given the best outcomes.

Would you say our appointments of late have been any better?

It's a mixed bag, but at least the top table are accountable. In the years when club dellygates were deciding to dispense with Paul O'Kelly and Gerry Fahey for unknown and unexplained reasons, it was a farce.

[Anonymous1]

Historically, giving Offaly clubs a say in the hiring and firing of managers has not given the best outcomes.

Would you say our appointments of late have been any better?

It's a mixed bag, but at least the top table are accountable. In the years when club dellygates were deciding to dispense with Paul O'Kelly and Gerry Fahey for unknown and unexplained reasons, it was a farce.

Are the top table accountable though when they're out in November?

[uibhfhaili72]

I understand the issues in relation to DK and the new arrangements but Mickey Harte is massive name and has won a lot in his time to disregard this appointment and to somehow twist it onto Michael Duignan as a black mark is ludicrous. The same would probably say in 5 years time that not enough was done to develop the u20 winning team. It’s a proactive move putting their necks on the line but they tried to do something to turn the tide . I think it’s a positive day that brings excitement to the county’s football scene.

[Anonymous1]

I understand the issues in relation to DK and the new arrangements but Mickey Harte is massive name and has won a lot in his time to disregard this appointment and to somehow twist it onto Michael Duignan as a black mark is ludicrous. The same would probably say in 5 years time that not enough was done to develop the u20 winning team. It’s a proactive move putting their necks on the line but they tried to do something to turn the tide . I think it’s a positive day that brings excitement to the county’s football scene.

Would be even more excitement if DK was gone and Mickey had full control?

Would anybody have bemoaned the loss of DK? I doubt it which says all you need to know.

[Kevin]

Maybe that’s part of his original deal.. he’s not the man we need. He’s not liked in any club. As a fan I hope I’m wrong but the noise coming out this year was deafening. It shouldn’t have been ignored.

Do the clubs and/or players not get a say in this at some stage?

They would have to ratify it (or not), correct?

[Anonymous1]

Maybe that’s part of his original deal.. he’s not the man we need. He’s not liked in any club. As a fan I hope I’m wrong but the noise coming out this year was deafening. It shouldn’t have been ignored.

Do the clubs and/or players not get a say in this at some stage?

They would have to ratify it (or not), correct?

I believe so.

But the County Board will likely only give them the option of Mickey/DK as a joint package or neither. Can’t imagine they’ll allow them pick and choose.

[jimbob17]

I understand the issues in relation to DK and the new arrangements but Mickey Harte is massive name and has won a lot in his time to disregard this appointment and to somehow twist it onto Michael Duignan as a black mark is ludicrous. The same would probably say in 5 years time that not enough was done to develop the u20 winning team. It’s a proactive move putting their necks on the line but they tried to do something to turn the tide . I think it’s a positive day that brings excitement to the county’s football scene.

.

I agree with this to certain extent. The co board have really pushed out the boat on this one and to be fair have done a very good job over their 5 years, This is a statement of intent. I guess the only concern and it is a legitimate concern is that DK appeared to have lost a large chunk of the dressing room last year and oversaw a 14pt defeat to London, and is still there. I have no doubt that DK did his best and was well intentioned, and has done a lot for Offaly at underage - but the implications of last year mean that now, this new man appears to be forced on him which in itself seems odd. We all hope Harte with his experience will be a steady hand but the elephant in the room is will some of the players not return due to the existence of last years management, which doesnt change - even if Mickey Harte is a relatively exciting prospect.

It'd be a lot different if Harte was coming into clean slate - and DK was in his first year and 2024 year hadnt happened. A major important one though will be who is brought in as coach to the team. If they manage to bring Gavin Devlin down, then it really is an exciting prospect. I assume that there will be plenty of good coaches who would only love to work with Harte as manager. Important too that there are some good Offaly people around as selectors so that the best players are known and asked in to the squad.

[ruletheroost]

I understand the issues in relation to DK and the new arrangements but Mickey Harte is massive name and has won a lot in his time to disregard this appointment and to somehow twist it onto Michael Duignan as a black mark is ludicrous. The same would probably say in 5 years time that not enough was done to develop the u20 winning team. It’s a proactive move putting their necks on the line but they tried to do something to turn the tide . I think it’s a positive day that brings excitement to the county’s football scene.

.

I agree with this to certain extent. The co board have really pushed out the boat on this one and to be fair have done a very good job over their 5 years, This is a statement of intent. I guess the only concern and it is a legitimate concern is that DK appeared to have lost a large chunk of the dressing room last year and oversaw a 14pt defeat to London, and is still there. I have no doubt that DK did his best and was well intentioned, and has done a lot for Offaly at underage - but the implications of last year mean that now, this new man appears to be forced on him which in itself seems odd. We all hope Harte with his experience will be a steady hand but the elephant in the room is will some of the players not return due to the existence of last years management, which doesnt change - even if Mickey Harte is a relatively exciting prospect.

It'd be a lot different if Harte was coming into clean slate - and DK was in his first year and 2024 year hadnt happened. A major important one though will be who is brought in as coach to the team. If they manage to bring Gavin Devlin down, then it really is an exciting prospect. I assume that there will be plenty of good coaches who would only love to work with Harte as manager. Important too that there are some good Offaly people around as selectors so that the best players are known and asked in to the squad.

Hasn't Gavin Devlin taken up a role as Director of Underage Football in Louth?

[private joker]

Very strange appointment. Declan kelly demoted. How can he be happy with that? Micky harte appointment is as short term as you can imagine. He must hate been idle. Ruined Derry, brilliant past record up to thst point. Who was doing the coaching with louth? How old school is harte at this stage of his career. If nothing else, it has put a bit of interest into football around the county and country.

[ruletheroost]

Very strange appointment. Declan kelly demoted. How can he be happy with that? Micky harte appointment is as short term as you can imagine. He must hate been idle. Ruined Derry, brilliant past record up to thst point. Who was doing the coaching with louth? How old school is harte at this stage of his career. If nothing else, it has put a bit of interest into football around the county and country.

Can't be feeling great. Was out of his depth at senior inter county management anyway. I said it the day he was appointed that it would be a disaster, based solely on his poor people management skills. He needed a really strong team around him last year which he didn't have. Ger Rafferty was his pillar for the 20's and Ger didn't get enough credit for the role he played in their success.

[SearingDrive]

I understand the issues in relation to DK and the new arrangements but Mickey Harte is massive name and has won a lot in his time to disregard this appointment and to somehow twist it onto Michael Duignan as a black mark is ludicrous. The same would probably say in 5 years time that not enough was done to develop the u20 winning team. It’s a proactive move putting their necks on the line but they tried to do something to turn the tide . I think it’s a positive day that brings excitement to the county’s football scene.

Would be even more excitement if DK was gone and Mickey had full control?

Would anybody have bemoaned the loss of DK? I doubt it which says all you need to know.

Apparently Harte is de facto manager. Declan Kelly is like Joe Biden, just a nominal head. Have to see if we encounter Harte failure at some time.

[ruletheroost]

Ger hasn't done badly with what Mickey left him.

Mickey took them over in Division 4, got them back to back promotions and then a third place finish in division 2 along with a first Leinster final appearance since 2010.

That's a seriously impressive record.

Yeah you’re right.. it’s pretty impressive. And I wouldn’t have minded Mickey Harte getting the job with a good back room staff.. but why hold onto Kelly.

The million dollar question.

I'm sure Mr.Chairman will be forthcoming to speak with the media and explain the rationale.

Lets not forget DK took over a team that was a kick of a ball away from a Leinster final. So what he took over wasn't too bad. He took that team to the depths of despair in 8 months...

[ah lethimoutwithit]

I’m confused by this appointment.
You can only surmise that Declan was thinking of jacking it in and Co Board said they’d get experienced support.
Co Board want to support a relatively young Offaly manager and allow him get experience and develop and he’s agreed to give it a go.
But Mickey without Gavin Devlin is not the same package so what coaches are coming in will be crucial.
I made this point earlier that they would be keen to support an Offalyman as it is crucial to develop our own coaches as this reflects on the quality of the club coaches. But obviously not at any cost.

Now it’s up to the players and yes , 2 yrs ago Oy were close to a Leinster Final, but 2 yes ago we got as bad a beating against Wexford in Tullamore as the London defeat, plus Dylan and Jack Mc threw toys out of pram in Cavan too , so they need to stand up now and be counted.

Anyway, good luck to all involved and hopefully all goes well.

As for Ruletheroost, just to be clear, you don’t like Declan as manager? Sorry, we just can’t be clear from your 16 jibes since yesterday?

[ruletheroost]

I’m confused by this appointment.
You can only surmise that Declan was thinking of jacking it in and Co Board said they’d get experienced support.
Co Board want to support a relatively young Offaly manager and allow him get experience and develop and he’s agreed to give it a go.
But Mickey without Gavin Devlin is not the same package so what coaches are coming in will be crucial.
I made this point earlier that they would be keen to support an Offalyman as it is crucial to develop our own coaches as this reflects on the quality of the club coaches. But obviously not at any cost.

Now it’s up to the players and yes , 2 yrs ago Oy were close to a Leinster Final, but 2 yes ago we got as bad a beating against Wexford in Tullamore as the London defeat, plus Dylan and Jack Mc threw toys out of pram in Cavan too , so they need to stand up now and be counted.

Anyway, good luck to all involved and hopefully all goes well.

As for Ruletheroost, just to be clear, you don’t like Declan as manager? Sorry, we just can’t be clear from your 16 jibes since yesterday?

Well spotted!! You’re on the ball you are!

[biffinbanner]

i dont think the club delegates should be asked anything about this(even tho i dont agree with it). they are the ones who presided over the current foorball structures and a while back got rid of 2 decent capable men in paul o kelly and gerry fahy. for no other reason only they thought it was a good idea.