O’Connor agrees Kerry must change their ways to win

NEW Kerry manager Jack O’Connor yesterday accepted that the county must change and adapt if they are to succeed in the changing world of Gaelic football.

Reacting in a positive manner to the views of Tyrone boss Micky Harte that Kerry "have to change their mindset and innovate" O'Connor pointed out that adapting to changing trends had never been a problem for Kingdom sides in the past.

"It's a bit early to be talking about that changing. I think basically where Tyrone are coming from is that they felt they didn't get enough kudos for winning that match (against Kerry). There were a few comments they were not too happy with about 'blanket defence' and all the rest of it. My only reaction is that there is no law against blanket defence,'' he said.

What impressed him about Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final was that they displayed a greater work-rate and hunger than Kerry.

"There's no law against tackling in packs and that's what they did and did very effectively. Kerry had played fantastic open football in moving the ball into the forwards and Tyrone found ways of counteracting it by getting men back in front of the inside line,'' he added.

"We'll have to sit down when we get our men playing football in the New Year and discuss all these things. But, it's very early days yet.

"I had so much admiration Tyrone last year. They were very worthy champions, they overcame adversity when coming back from being nine points down in the Ulster final and winning the replay. And they won the All-Ireland with a couple of their players well below par.

"For them to beat Kerry was a huge psychological barrier. They were prepared to put their bodies on the line in a major way. They weren't worry about style and whatever. They wanted to win the game and win it at all costs within the rules. And, fair play to them, they did that.

"Plus they showed in the first 20 minutes that they were capable of playing great football. I don't think there's any sour grapes down here about Tyrone and the way they played, to be honest with you. Maybe it had more to do with frustration at the way Kerry played.''