McGuinness leads the Way

You'd be forgiven for thinking Jim Mc Guinness was a negative person. His approach on the football field bears more than a passing resemblence to the 'puke football' of the early noughties, while on The Sunday Game last week, he came across as a frustrated man making the most of his two minutes, to bite back at his critics.

His outburst seemed out of context, for there was nothing to be negative about. Donegal improved drastically on their previous outing, scoring an impressive tally of 2-14.When their captain and star player was wrongly dismissed, senior players, such as Kavanagh and Lacey, and at long last, Colm McFadden showed leadership to see them through. While, 17 year old Paddy Mc Brearty had a fantastic game and showed he's ready to play at senior level.

So what had McGuinness to moan about it? And the answer is not a great deal. But it's McGuiness' interest in the little details that sets him apart. He leaves no stone unturned in his quest for perfection. His defence of Ryan Bradley appeared unnecessary, but it wasn't. It complemented his team's performance and emphasises Donegal's shift in attitude. No longer are they going to be bullied, or pushed around. They are strong, united and have the stomach for the battle.

McGuinness' gripe was not with the criticism to him or his team's tactics, but the 'lack of respect' shown to Ryan Bradley after he was awarded man of the match against Antrim. The so-called analysts begrudginly gave the award to Bradley, but added that there shouldn't be a man of the match in a game so poor.

This is a huge insult to Bradley and his family. The Sunday Game is an institution within Ireland, and to be awarded a man of the match is a magnificent honour. Sure, to Colm Cooper or Sean Cavanagh who collect a couple every year, they're no great achievement, but to mere mortals like myself and Ryan Bradley, the award carries a lot of prestige.

It also signalled Bradley's coming of age as a Donegal footballer. An underage talent, it appeared that his undoubted talent would never be fulfilled, and he would never surpass the periphery of the starting 15. However, the Buncrana man knuckled down and is now reaping the benefits under McGuinness' regime. Did the Sunday Game analysts comment on his sudden improvement? No, that would involve doing some proper analysing.

The best managers in the world are famous for defending their players. Sir Alex Ferguson defended Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney after the were caught with their trousers down. Mickey Harte always supported Owen Mulligan and Ryan McMenamin when it would have been easier to cast off the troublemakers, while Jose Mourinho always puts his player's welfare first.

Players need a strong manager. They need someone who will have them in an excellent position physically, but also someone who helps them to deal with the psychologoical aspect of the game. McGuinness does this. He brings strength and solidarity to Donegal, and it is rubbing off on his players. It is this strength and solidarity that could lead to a prolonged summer for the Green and Gold.