timber wrote:I know a lot of people are highlighting that Rhode are not the team they were and as the tribune sports journalist has pointed out that they are in decline. I agree they are in decline and wont replace a lot of their older players with the same quality. They are not likely to be serious challengers in Leinster anymore unfortunately. However in my opinion they are still well above the other teams in the county. They still work very hard and have a handful of very good footballers. So I would question the tactics they are given and the over defensive style Kellaghan uses. It is horrible to look at and you would only expect to see a team with limited ability using it but not Rhode who certainly should not be fearful of anything within Offaly at present which is poor standard.
Rhode should have kicked on Sunday and put the game away but they went into this ultra defensive system to suffocate any Clara attack. Better teams will come along and Rhode will be in serious trouble as I think we will see in the coming weeks.
Watching the game at the weekend, it was not pretty and the standard in general was very poor for senior football between the two best teams in the county. To be fair it was hard hitting and nobody stood back. It was very well refereed and big credit should be given. We often jump on their case when they don't do a great job so praise where praise is due. Praise to both teams who gave it everything to the best of their abilities too.
But these systems and negative tactics are just horrendous to watch. It maybe shows a lack of belief in the players and what they are capable of.
My opinion is that okay, Rhode could go out and play football(no defensive system, whatever ye want to call it), lose to Edenderry, Tullamore, Clara, Ferbane or Gracefield even.
The system keeps it going that few extra years, in order to bridge the gap until another few players come upon the scene in Rhode. Could be 3 years, could be 10. I notice that both Rhode’s senior and intermediate team try to play the exact same way(the latter not so successfully).
Scenario:
3(or less, or more) youngsters come up to adult level. Play junior A. They will have an idea of the tactical footprint, if you like. You have the tactical side. Now enhance skills, and fitness, while training with their seniors. Still getting match practice and experience by playing for the junior team.
(Ideally, they’d prefer an intermediate outfit, which I think injuries to senior players hampered their survival chances as a result.)
Ultimately for the betterment of Offaly football, a more orthodox style would be appreciated, as Wallace has said he will play the conventional way. However, winning is winning, and if there’s a better chance of winning a County Title, by playing in the current system, who could bemoan the fact that it’s working.
I know, it’s fairly bleak to look at, and if they play as poor as they did Sunday, any of the above teams could beat them.
As the saying goes:“ Club first, County second”, and ultimately it should be that way. That doesn’t mean that we should showcase our All-Ireland winning begrudgery.