“I just really didn’t see it coming.”
Derry legend Enda Gormley has one major doubt about the appointment of Mickey Harte as the county’s new manager.
The GAA world was shocked last week to learn that Harte, a Tyrone legend who guided his native county to three All-Irelands, has left his post as Louth manager to take the role at Derry.
The Oakleaf county are a neighbouring and rival county to Tyrone, so few expected to see Harte as the man who would take the vacant role.
Gormley who was a part of the team who won Derry’s only ever All-Ireland back in 1993, is excited about the appointment but does have one reservation.
“I was shocked, but listen, the man’s pedigree is without question. I just really didn’t see it coming.” Gormley told SportsJOE.
“I just hope that he develops the attacking side of the game, now I haven’t seen Louth for a few years but there were question marks about in his latter years for Tyrone, but that was three years ago or whatever, and I’m sure he’s a man that always evolves his game.
“His three years since Tyrone he has maybe worked on that and I have no doubt that he will make us very hard to beat, it’s just – can we get to that next level?”
As a proud Watty Graham’s club man, there is one other big reason that Gormley was delighted to see Harte appointed as Derry manager.
“I was absolutely delighted as long as it wasn’t Malachy O’Rourke.”
O’Rourke, who guided Glen to the All-Ireland club final last year, was heavily linked to the Derry job until the surprising news broke that Harte was given the job.
Glen have several players representing them at county level, including Conor Glass and Ciaran McFaul, but with a new manager in the hot seat, several more from the Ulster club champions could potentially get the call up.
“Different people have different personalties in life, and have different ambitions, like I know one man who is only interested in playing for the club and has no interest in playing county.
“But it’s certainly not impossible that some of the other lads get the call up, I would be surprised if Mickey didn’t ask the question and paints them the right picture, but I just hope that there eyes are all focused on getting us another club championship.”
Related links:
- The Ultimate Mickey Harte Quiz – The Tyrone Years
- Louth GAA don’t mince their words after Mickey Harte’s controversial departure
- Former Tyrone star Kyle Coney reacts to “surreal” Mickey Harte Derry switch
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