Why honesty is the best policy for Kerry
Dropping an out of form Michael Frank Russell might have surprised many, but it is a continuation of the management’s performance-related philosophy this season.
“Jack and the selectors have been honest with the players from the start,” said former Kerry coach Mickey ‘Ned’ O’Sullivan.
“A player making progress in matches and particularly in training will be rewarded immediately in selection. There is no fear that a player in form will have to wait too long for his chance.
“Similarly if a player isn’t doing it consistently, he will not be rewarded with selection,” said O’Sullivan.
Not that he fears for Russell.
“This isn’t the first dip in form he’s had, he always comes back better. He was the top scorer in the League, but has suffered a temporary loss of form. It is often better to give a player a break, than allow his confidence suffer further on the field.”
If there was surprise in some quarters, it was not reflected in the Kerry squad, which has acclimatised to the management’s penchant for change.
The Kerry coach said this week: “We are constantly looking at different options and at players in form. Even in the last few weeks, other lads have come into the frame. We could be using different players again against Derry. We will be using between three and five subs in the game because it is very high tempo.
“Subs are significant in the modern game and the Derry subs were significant in their win over Westmeath because three or four subs may have swung the game. We have players who can come in and there is a lot of competition in training.”
Russell’s club coach at Laune Rangers, John Evans, believes the corner-forward has paid the price of a shift in emphasis this season.
“Jack is going for a different type of player. Things have changed dramatically in football, to the extent that a ‘pure’ footballer, who doesn’t track back and roam about the field, is now considered a bit of a luxury.”
Evans explained Russell’s dilemma: “In last year’s county final, he caught three balls and kicked two in the 60 minutes, but do you take him off when you know he can be the difference between winning and losing? There aren’t many players like that.”
Evans’ disappointment was tempered by Russell’s replacement - another Killorglin man, Liam Hassett. And Evans believes a third club-man, defender John Sheehan, will also shine if introduced. “Like Hassett, he is bursting to get back into the team.”
The selection of Declan O’Sullivan in the corner is a result of dynamic training form, and Mickey Ned O’Sullivan whole-heartedly agrees.
“He can make a huge impact close to goal, instead of out the field, faced with the prospect of beating nine men before he gets his kick in. The switch will also benefit Eoin Brosnan, who is more effective in the centre than on the wing.”
O’Sullivan shares the concern over Kerry’s indifferent form, but says there’s another reason for the unease.
“With the big guns out of the way, supporters feel this is too good to be true, a bit like 1997, and that there’s a disaster lurking around the corner.”
However, he is comforted by the management’s thorough approach.
“The big difference has been the increase in work rate. We knew they had the talent, now they are grafting too.”
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