Canavan Faces Tough Job With Fermanagh.

Tuesday 22.11.2011

Club

So the ink has finally dried and as we predicted last week Peter Canavan has been confirmed as the new manager of Fermanagh. The former Errigal Ciaran boss will have Ciaran Donnelly and Enda Kilpatrick as his assistants when he begins his quest to re-establish Fermanagh as a force in Ulster football. From a selfish Tyrone point of view it would have been great to have seen him being involved with one of the county’s underage teams but we wish him well in his new appointment.
There are many who think this is a win-win situation considering the Erne County’s present situation and Canavan’s huge profile. There is little doubt that the appointment has resulted in a real sense of expectation among followers of football in Fermanagh and is a massive boost for a county that has endured a torrid time over the past eight to ten months.
However a few words of warning to those who may be expecting immediate change and instant improvement. It will take a while for Peter to pull together a panel of all the best footballers in Fermanagh and there are bound to be one or two “characters” there who may find it difficult to cope with his expectations and requirements. While the great man will not expect immediate improvements he will require that all players buy into his approach and methodology. As a player he always gave 100% to the cause and that is exactly what he will demand of Fermanagh.
Those who apply themselves fully will be the better for it. Individually and collectively there is the potential for huge improvement but it will require patience and commitment. Fermanagh have lots of talented players but talent alone will only take you so far. They have an opportunity with this appointment to put the past behind them and move forward for the good of Fermanagh football. Both parties have lots to gain if it goes well but should it fail, well that will be a completely different story.