structures

[mrbinman]

we are looking at the state of OY senior football for a while now and giving out about it. barring the leinster run under the killer two yrs ago, the past 8 yrs or so have been generally unproductive. a decent underage system has been put in place now and we have made the last few minor finals which is progress to my mind. my problem is what happens after this. what kind of structures are there to develop lads physically for senior football from minor up. unless they are shunted up to senior level straight away, they are missing out on a few years of strength and development work. other successful counties provide back up and support in terms of diet and strength programmes to players in development over this time, yet offaly totally ignore this crucial area consistently leaving it to a senior manager that is passing through. young fellas need to be given these programmes and support on a regular basis or we end up in a situation where we are now of throwing young guys in to senior action who cant take or give the hits required. it is time that the co. board see this ill and right it before all counties pass us out. the dubs, armaghs and tyrones all have their best young lads on these progs from the age of 16, yet our lads are totally oblivious to it. niall smith has been involved for the past 4 years but has only come to light last year. it takes a few years for this strength and condition to develop so why not act now and at least ensure that the minors of last year and now can come on in 2/3/4 years and compete with the best. the co board should be pro active not reactive. a small investment now will ensure a rich future, and we wont have to be throwin massive money at another pat roe in a few years wondering where it all went wrong. time to open our eyes and keep up with the rest

[bula bula]

Good post and agree full heartedly with you on your points regarding the transition of players from the minors. Feel that we are way behind the others anywaybut to have our lads prerpared right would be a big plus. Hopefully the county board realise this before its too late.