ANTRIM goalkeeper Chris Kerr says he has never felt more positive about the team’s prospects since becoming involved with the county set-up.
Kerr was on the fringes of the Saffrons squad in 2007 as back-up to first choice 'keeper Sean McGreevy but has been ever-present since 2010.
The St Gall’s man has witnessed plenty of upheaval during his time with Antrim – but feels the county is turning the corner.
After narrowly missing out on promotion from Division Four last season, the Saffrons are well placed to finally escape the lower echelons this year.
They travel to Ruislip this weekend to face London in the hope of maintaining their 100 per cent record in Division Four.
After a slow start against Leitrim last Sunday Antrim breezed to a 2-14 to 0-10 victory and are joined at the top by Louth.
Kerr praised co-manager Frank Fitzsimons for re-jigging his backroom team in the close season.
“I think mentally we’re in a better place than last year. Frank deserves a lot of credit for bringing in the likes of Gearoid Adams, Joe Quinn and Sean McGreevy [goalkeeping coach] and I’ve enjoyed working with [fitness trainer] Brian Magee. Now, Mike McGurn was outstanding last year but overall they’ve been very positive changes.”
Kerr, who hasn’t conceded a goal in Antrim’s opening three games, added: “A lot has been written about who plays for Antrim and who doesn’t over the last few years, but the competition for places in the squad is as good as you’ll see.
“Michael McCann and Justy [Crozier] were injured last week [against Leitrim] and Sean Burke and Marty Johnston came in. As good as Mick and Justy are, the two boys that came in are just as good.
“It means if you’re not performing you’re looking over your shoulder – that’s one to 15.
“You look at who came off our bench last week – Ryan Murray, Niall Delargy, 'Bam' [Brian Neeson], Mark Sweeney, Ricky Johnston and Patrick McBride – so it’s been very good. It’s healthy competition.
“Boys aren’t throwing the head up or huffing; everyone’s buying into it and it’s very positive.”
Like many of his peers, Kerr isn’t a fan of the ‘mark’ that was passed at Congress last weekend.
The 27-year-old personal trainer is mystified as to why the GAA is bringing in a new rule without it being properly trialled.
Central Council will meet later this month to decide whether or not the ‘mark’ will be introduced for this summer’s Championship.
“I think it could make the game more defensive,” said Kerr.
“I think it will slow the game down too. A lot of teams will concede the kick-out because the other team has an extra five seconds to retreat into their own half.
"I just think it will add to the defensive side of the game and I don’t understand why they’ve introduced it without trialling it. Why not trial it in the McKenna Cup and see how it works?
“The goalkeeper’s job used to be kicking the ball as far as possible down the pitch. Now the goalkeeper’s position is almost like a playmaking role – every possession is so important and there is a lot more pressure on your kick-out, a lot more stats. It’s no longer about putting the ball down and hoping for the best.”
