'We can have no real complaints' - Derry manager Paddy Tally

Paddy Tally believes there is a bright future for the Derry squad despite an early exit from this season’s All-Ireland race.

The Oakleafers were relegated from Division One, failed to win a game and were knocked out by Dublin on Saturday night in Newry.

As Tally’s first season of a three-year term in charge came to an end, he spoke about the leadership of the senior players, led by skipper Conor Glass.

“If you look at it, I think a lot of experienced players like Brendan (Rogers), Conor Glass, Conor Doherty, Ethan Doherty and Shane (McGuigan), those boys were outstanding tonight.

“Paudi McGrogan actually only has a year over his cruciate at the stage.

“What them boys give to the jersey tonight, you can't ask for any more.

“That's the spirit and the character you want from that team. I think they'll be sore. We'll be sore for a few days here.

“The outlook looks really good. There were young fellas who have come in. Paddy McGurk, for example, is in his first year. Ryan Mulholland, coming on there, Ruairí Forbes and Cahir McMurray coming in.

“You're always looking towards building a squad as well. That's one thing Derry needed to do.

“Conor McCluskey coming back in tonight was a massive plus for us. Conor kicked first ball's kick since last June, since he's had two operations.

“All being well, those boys back fit next year for a proper rattle at it.”

On Saturday’s defeat, Tally pointed to Derry’s poor start as Dublin controlled the had four points on the board before his side got meaningful possession.

Derry stormed back to lead before going in level at half-time but it was Dublin who pushed on to lead by five points with 20 minutes to play.

There were goals chances for Brendan Rogers and Lachlan Murray but neother were taken.

On the flip side, with Brian Howard and Ciarán Kilkenny on song in the middle third, Dublin kept control of the game.

“I think it might have turned the game for us,” Tally said of Rogers’ chance when Derry trailed by four points with 10 minutes to play.

“We can have no real complaints. The players played as well as they possibly could. That was a serious game of football.

“I am really proud of the effort but, unfortunately, it just wasn't good enough.”

Looking back on the season, Tally admitted they were playing catchup after being appointed on the mouth of Christmas.

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Without a chance at a full preseason, it wasn’t until the championship exit that they had a seven-week block training. A pre-season well after anyone else at the cutting end of the Sam Maguire conversation.

“It’s the very highest level of high-performance sport, we didn't have the time to get going early enough,” said Tally.

“We didn’t get our work done and we are only starting to show now what we can play.

“The latter stages of the Armagh game, the Galway game and then today. That was probably more like what Derry actually are. The rest of the season was really a shadow of the team.

“You can't hope at this level. It doesn't work like that. You've got to be on it and we clearly weren't on it early enough.”