Former Kerry star and RTE pundit Pat Spillane has again used his weekly column in the Sunday World to ridicule the tactics employed by Donegal – describing them as ‘Caveman tactics’.
Spillane also scoffed at the suggestion that Jim McGuinness, Kiernan McGeeney and Malachy O’Rourke are innovative coaches, saying the defensive systems they employ are anything but innovative.
“I’m afraid I don’t get this modern day approach to Gaelic football.
“And I simply don’t accept that GAA coaches such as Jimmy McGuinness, Paul Grimley, Kieran McGeeney and Malachy O’Rourke are particularly innovative by adopting these tactics.
“They smack of caveman tactics. Simply flooding your defence with extra players and making it more difficult for the opposition to score is just about the laziest ‘innovation’ one could dream up!
Spillane said Gaelic Football should revolve around the star players on both sides, and was saddened by the sight of Jamie Clarke and Michael Murphy performing defensive duties during their recent All-Ireland quarter-final clash at Croke Park.
“The sight of two of the game’s best forwards, Michael Murphy and Jamie Clarke, running back to take up defensive duties was a sad sight.
“It is akin to Brian Cody asking Henry Shefflin to play as a sweeper or getting Messi and Ronaldo to slot in as full backs!
Spillane acknowledged that his stance on defensive football was similar to the on-going crusade Paul Kimmage has against doping in cycling.
However, he says he won’t stop being critical of the defensive systems being employed because he believes it’s having a damaging effect on the sport.
Spillane also believes Dublin will have too much for Donegal when the two face off on August 31st in one of the most highly anticipated and intriguing fixtures the GAA has seen for years.
Spillane feels Dublin are on an upward trajectory and that Donegal are in decline, despite winning a third Ulster title in three years.
“Donegal are better than they were last year, but they’re a pale shadow of the side that won the All-Ireland in 2012, plus that side in 2012 was much more attack minded that season than it is now.
“The much-anticipated All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Donegal will be intriguing.
“But the two teams are on a different trajectory; Donegal are in decline while Dublin haven’t yet reached their peak.
“And I think it will be case of never the twain shall meet!
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