THERE’S only one place to start this week and that is with the great news that Jim McGuinness is back as the Donegal Senior team manager.
It’s just the boost that Donegal GAA needed after what has been a turbulent year.
Well done to Fergus McGee and his selection committee for getting Jim on board.
It’s been a tough start as Chairman for Fergus and he’s had to deal with big issues pretty much from day one.
There had been much talk about Jim coming on board, and most people knew it was in the pipeline, but it’s not always simple to get these things over the line and we have seen that in the past.
Jim’s return is a huge boost for everyone in Donegal, for the clubs and supporters.
But it’s also brilliant news for the players. It’s no great secret that they were frustrated with how things played out last year.
Your time as an intercounty player isn’t that long altogether so you don’t want to waste any seasons as such.
The news that Jim is back will have given everyone a pep in the step this week.
There’s going to be huge energy around the county team once again, and you can be sure that it will be a professional set-up.
Jim will have his own ideas. He’s been involved in professional sport for ten years now, and he will have learned so much in that time.
Jim will throw himself into the role. He will demand total commitment and he will give that back in return.
I’m impressed with the backroom team that he has assembled so far.
I know Neil McGee very well and he has a huge amount to offer.
Colm McFadden and Luke Barrett know the players well and will bring a fresh outlook.
I’m sure there will be more names added to the backroom team over the next couple of weeks.
People are asking is he wise to risk his reputation or legacy by coming back but I wouldn’t look at it in that way at all.
He wasn’t even forty when he led the county to the All-Ireland title in 2012. He has so much to offer and passionate football men find it hard to take a back seat.
You have to take chances in life, and Jim has never been afraid to step out of the comfort zone.
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