Kevin Cassidy wants Donegal to tear up the script in 2023 and add a direct kicking element to what he believes is now a stale running game, well past its sell-by date.
The Gaoth Dobhair man believes Donegal have become far too predictable and easy to play against. But with a completely new management team in place, the two-time All-Star says it’s also now time for a playing style overhaul.
“I just hope we view this as a chance to go another direction,” he said. “We’re crying out for it. I know it’s served us well in the past, the running game. But it’ll only get you to a certain point now - it won’t get you over the line in the really big games.
“Look at Armagh and how they’ve evolved in the last few years. They came first of all with a defensive template. They then realised they needed to mix that up with long ball, short ball, and running.
“The way I see it, if you’re going to run the ball all day then it’s far too easy to set up against. By mixing it up, the opposition defensive third are always thinking. They can’t get too touch tight and they can’t afford to stand off too much either. Like I said, the hope is we bring some real variety now in 2023.”
New boss Paddy Carr and head coach Aidan O’Rourke have this week been joined by former Derry star Paddy Bradley on the Donegal management ticket. Bradley and Cassidy are close with the pair previously working together with Gaoth Dobhair back in 2013.
“When I saw the announcement I was happy. Obviously, I know Paddy well. But it’s even more so to do with the way he played the game. Having seen him close hand when he came down to Gaoth Dobhair, I could also see he had a real love for coaching.
“He had a great way with the lads. And he’s been coaching at a good level with Derry underage, school sides and, of course, Glenullin more recently. The players will warm to him because he’s a players’ man.
“He’ll bring a sharp edge to things but he’ll make it really enjoyable.”
He added: “I don’t know what kind of style we’ll play but I do know Paddy likes the kicking approach. And listen, the way things have gone I feel that’s important for Donegal. We need to do serious work on that. Our game, our style at this moment, it won’t beat or live with the top teams.”
Former Ireland rugby star Bernard Jackman had been linked to a role in the Donegal management set-up but the ex Connacht man has since poured cold water on that rumour. And while Cassidy says that would have been a very interesting appointment, he now hopes it’s a Donegal element that completes the sideline mix.
“Personally, I’d like to see a Donegal voice added to that now. If that could happen, it would balance it off nicely.
“A calm head, a respected one; and I’m just throwing names out here. But a Brian Roper, a Frank McGlynn or a Paddy McGrath, those lads all have the kinda way about them that would brilliantly complement what’s already there now.
“The way I see it, Paddy Carr will be the organiser but he’ll let the two lads Aidan and Paddy look after the coaching. The key thing, whoever comes in to fill that remaining spot now, he has to be the right man.
“A calm and composed individual, someone not too overwhelming, will balance all that off perfectly. So let’s hope we get that sorted now in the next week or so.
