Derry football meeting delayed

The Derry County Board has deferred a meeting that will involve the debating of some key football issues in the county until next week.

Derry's Championship campaign ended on a sour note as a qualifier defeat to Longford was followed by Paddy Bradley's public criticism of the team's preparations and the support provided by the County Board.

Team manager John Brennan then hit out at his captain in a newspaper interview, slamming Bradley for committing "the cardinal sin of going to the media and spouting out on whatever grievances he felt he had".

Bradley's grievances were discussed at a club Championship forum last Friday, and are sure to come up for debate at next week's County Board meeting.

County Board officials will analyse the Oak Leafers' performances in the Allianz League and Ulster and All-Ireland Championships, as they look to give the team the best possible platform for the 2013 season.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, a leading Derry GAA official said: "It is very disappointing that Paddy Bradley’s criticism were carried in the media rather than being delivered through the proper channels within our county structures.

"There is always room for players’ views to be taken on board and action taken where necessary.

"What has happened in Derry is all rather in contrast to what occurred in Donegal towards the end of last year when Jim McGuinness took exception to revelations made by Kevin Cassidy.

"That was dealt with in-house and obviously that had no ill-effects because Donegal have just retained their Ulster title."