‘Kerry on their last legs’

Kerry legend Pat Spillane insists the county’s footballers are on their last legs and claims the young players introduced this year aren’t up to the necessary standard.

Defending his RTÉ Sunday Game criticism of his native county when he said they were “rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic”, the eight-time All-Ireland winner is adamant there is an over-reliance on players with too much mileage on the clock.

He doesn’t rule out the visit of Tyrone to Killarney on Saturday triggering a revival in Kerry’s fortunes. However, he is pessimistic after they scrapped a win over Westmeath on Sunday and feels they haven’t found adequate replacements for key players such as Tom O’Sullivan and Mike McCarthy.

“Kerry are on their last legs and they’re looking for one last hurrah, but if they are going to achieve that it will have to be provided by these 15,’’ he said. “Actually, Kerry only have 12 or 13 because they’re carrying one back and one forward. They’re disposable.

“There’s a lot of mileage racked up but they can’t be sucked into Tyrone’s type of game. They can’t think they will right all the wrongs against Tyrone this weekend but if they do that will be the rock they all perish on.”

Spillane says the youngsters introduced into the team this season are only capable of impressing when called from the bench.

“One of the biggest problems is neglect at minor, U21 and all under-age levels for years. We’ve had nothing coming through,’’ he said. “The young players in the Kerry panel aren’t up to senior standard. They’re good for a cameo or as impact subs but they can’t play a tough, tight 70 minutes of football. That’s why I mentioned it was rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.

“Kerry are looking for this one last hurrah but I don’t know if they’ll find it.”

On Sunday, while mindful Kerry had maintained their 100% qualifier record against Westmeath, he flatly dismissed comparisons with their successful 2006 and 2009 qualifier runs, which led to All-Ireland titles. Citing the arrival of Kieran Donaghy as a full-forward in ’06 and the return of McCarthy in ’09 as catalysts, he says there is no similar boon this summer.

He says now: “No, this is a different scenario. This is mileage, this is legs, this is hoping there’s hope when there isn’t any.

“Tyrone might just be the gun they needed but I haven’t analysed the game yet. I watched Tyrone in all their Championship games this year and they’re not bad.

“I would have thought they’d struggle after being beaten by Kildare in the Division 2 final but they were only a kick of a ball away from Donegal.”

Spillane again referenced Kerry’s paltry scoring return from play in this year’s Championship so far.

“There’s a fear factor among Kerry players. They’ve only scored five points from play in each of the games against Tipperary, Cork and Westmeath.”

Although he is dismissive of Clare at the same time, he agrees the incentive for both teams on Saturday is massive.

However, he warns Kerry must not fall into the trap of thinking they can make amends for their previous defeats to Mickey Harte’s Tyrone in the 2005 and ‘08 All-Ireland finals as well as the ‘03 semi-final.

“Whoever wins has a bye straight into the All-Ireland quarter-finals. I will hold out hope for Kerry in Killarney but there’d have no hope in Tyrone.

“Home advantage is a factor and I can see a Munster final-size crowd coming to the game.

“The danger for Kerry is to get into a revenge mission and think it’s all about that. They can’t get sucked into that and play Tyrone at their own game.

“They’ve to play Kerry football, move the football quick and fast. I remember the Donegal league game in Killarney and it was very interesting. As the game progressed, Kerry found a way around Donegal and they were cute.

“Tyrone will probably set up the same way, will keep only three forwards up and have a sweeper in front of Gooch and Donaghy and they’ll flood back. They’re a very fit side. There is pace in that Tyrone team now with the likes of (Martin) Penrose and (Mark) Donnelly.”

Spillane feels Tyrone will show Kerry more respect because of their proven forward line.

“Tyrone went traditional 15 on 15 against Armagh because they knew they only had one forward (Jamie Clarke) to handle.

“Their (Ulster semi-final) game against Donegal intrigued me. I don’t like the football but the intensity and physicality of that game was fascinating.’’