Damian Barton getting used to putting it all on the line for Derry
When he took over the Derry job at the start of the season, the 1993 All-Ireland winner promised to restore pride and passion in the Oak Leaf jersey but quickly discovered emotion is not always a good thing.
An eight-week touchline suspension for his part in a heated brawl during the McKenna Cup final defeat by Tyrone — their opponents in Sunday’s Ulster championship clash in Celtic Park — was a hard but valuable lesson.
“You know what? It’s easy for me to be emotional. I am very single-minded and one-tracked and I expect everyone to be the same. But it’s not like that. I’ve had to learn to step back a wee bit in terms of my motivation. It might be ‘my motivation’ but players have different ways of focusing on big games. Experience is valuable, but I’ve learned you have to step back and keep your emotions in check.”
Barton was always a fiery player during a successful county career and known during his long service in club management as a strict disciplinarian. His first six months in charge of Derry have been a real eye-opener in terms of the modern-day inter-county player.
“Football has changed an awful lot. The perspective the players have, my perception of what ‘total commitment’ is, is maybe different than others. I’m sure every county manager would think the same. We’ve had a few challenges and come through those challenges, though we’re not going to ban colourful boots or anything. We haven’t got to that stage!
“But everybody has their own way of preparing and you have to respect the fact that things move on. I know there are psychologists and people have all sorts of perspective in terms of preparation, and I know something we have to look at is how we prepare the team emotionally. That’s not going out to play the occasion, but another game. That’s going to be a challenge as well.”
Placing a lot of emphasis on the value of impact subs, Barton says he may not necessarily start with his best 15 players but hopes to finish with a team that can get Derry over the line. They averaged a score of 2-12 in the league yet conceded an average of 0-18 in a mixed bag in Division Two. And he’s called on Derry supporters, not always known for unswerving loyalty, to come out in big numbers. “Our ambition is to go and perform, not just for ourselves, so I do think it would be an absolute blessing if we were to support the team in numbers.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
