This is not four-gone conclusion
DERRY boss Damien Mcerlain says the League disappointment will not affect his side’s Championship campaign.
The Oak Leafers suffered their third relegation in four seasons in March and, as a result, will start 2019 in Division Four.
It’s an alarming fall from grace for a county that has enjoyed recent underage and schools success as well as having highly competitive club sides.
However, Mcerlain insists that the setback has been parked until League action resumes next year as they take on hot favourites Donegal in Sunday’s Ulster quarter-final at Celtic Park.
He said: “The residue of disappointment as a result of the spring will not be got rid of until next spring.
“There is no point worrying about it at this point. This is Championship. We are obviously very disappointed to have gone down to Division Four and we have the quality not to be there but we have to show that next year.
“In terms of Championship, we will be looking to produce a performance that does not reflect a Division Four team.”
Mcerlain’s options were severely weakened during the NFL due to the absence of a number of front line players, particularly the Slaughtneil contingent, though he has a stronger hand to play now.
“The quality of the boys who have come back in is significant and it brings the other boys on as well.
“They came back at a time when the ground was harder, the evenings were longer so everyone is feeling good about it. It has been great to have them back.”