What expectations do you have for Kerry in the National League and should it be more about building and preparing a squad for the summer than going after results for the sake of them?

UNDER a new manager this League should be all about integrating the new players into the panel and getting them introduced to senior inter-county football, while ensuring the established players have confidence in the new regime. Early wins are vital to alleviate pressure but the 7 NFL games must be used to shape a team that can go into the Championship with confidence in what they are doing. Like in recent years Kerry could easily make the final or be fighting for the Division 1 lives by Round 7.

IT’S hard to know exactly what to expect from Kerry in this league. It’s going to be a transitionary period and that will probably mean any highs are probably going to be accompanied by lows. It’s possible to imagine them in both the hunt for the title and a relegation battle if results go for or against them. Beyond survival the results aren’t all that important, the focus should be and pretty much must be on player development. Peter Keane has to build a new team and a largely new squad after all.

IN Peter Keane’s case he needs results early to quell any lingering doubt about whether he should have been promoted to the top job so quickly. If he can emerge from the first three games with points on the board then maybe the other four games may allow room for experimentation. If Dr Crokes reach the All-Ireland Club Final, then only the last game in Roscommon (bar making the League decider) is what their contingent would be available for and he can’t fully experiment without a full hand!

I THINK for a new manger coming in it’s important that Peter Keane finds the right balance between blooding new talent and getting results to keep Kerry in the top flight. Dropping out of Division 1 would be a disappointment on top of a poor showing last season. The trick will be to stay up while giving as many players as much game time as possible. Easier said than done but it’s certainly achievable.

WITH a number of young inexperienced players part of a new look panel, building confidence is important so the team needs to be competitive, with a view to creating a spirit in the squad. Losses shouldn’t be viewed as setbacks, but as part of the learning process along the way. The emphasis should be on affording game time to as many of the newcomers as possible, as part of a reasonably strong side with a view to having most of the Championship starting fifteen on duty for the final two rounds of the league.