10 April 2013
Dawson: we are disappointed but looking forward
Antrim manager Frank Dawson reflected on a national league campaign which was disappointing in the end, but also said that the management team is already preparing for the championship. Speaking to the Antrim website Frank looked back on what was a league of two halves.
“We started out well in the National League, after 4 games we had only lost once and while we were disappointed to draw with Fermanagh and Wicklow we knew as well that a win in our next game would put us in the promotion hunt. But we all know that we hit a low point then in our next two games, resulting in two defeats.
“Even then we knew that a win against Monaghan last Sunday would be enough to avoid relegation and make no mistake the lads gave their all last week. Ok we lost again but it was a better performance and despite the final scoreline we were still in the game until the third Monaghan goal. It was a better performance.”
There was surprise when Tomas McCann and Tony Scullion didn’t feature against Monaghan.
“I am not going to keep that debate going publicly, that doesn’t do our squad or the county any favours. From my point of view the two lads and the management team are aware of exactly what transpired from late Saturday night until Sunday morning. However that is all history now and we move forward. We have drawn a line under the League campaign now, good performances and bad, the League is behind us and we are looking forward.”
So what happens next?
“We are now reviewing not just the league but the McKenna Cup as well. Every player in our squad got serious game time during both competitions, and based on what we have seen we are now preparing a squad for the Championship. There is absolutely no door closed to anyone, we will draw together a squad which we believe can best represent Antrim and make an impact on the Championship. That is our focus and our priority.”
It is expected that the championship squad will be finalised and made known next week.
