Jim McGuinness will press a complete reset  - Michael Murphy 

Michael Murphy believes Jim McGuinness will start from absolute scratch in 2024 as he looks to remould Donegal into a competitive championship force once more. 

The side’s former leader and talisman says confidence can be built in Division 2 and, when that campaign comes to an end, his former manager will have a much better idea of how to steer into the business end of the GAA season. 

Murphy is excited that McGuinness is back at the helm but he said the county has to be realistic about its ambitions as the re-building process of bedding in young talent with experienced players now begins. 

“I believe Donegal will be very honest with themselves, Jim, the management and the players, in regards to where they are at at this moment. 

“If you look at the last few years, at provincial level, we have probably slipped down the pecking order to fifth or sixth place. 

“There’s Derry, Tyrone, Armagh and Monaghan all probably ahead of Donegal at the moment.

“But I think that Jim will be focusing on getting things back to basics in Division 2”.

When asked if winning Division 2 and once again making a dent at provincial level was achievable for Donegal in 2024, Murphy errs on the side of caution.

“We know that there is talent within the group,” he explained. “But we also know that we have dropped out of Division 1 and suffered a first-round exit in Ulster last year. 

“If you were to look at things now, like I just said, there are probably four or five counties in Ulster who would feel they are ahead of Donegal in the pecking order. And that is just within our own province. 

“We need to be realistic about where we are currently at and that is what the management and team will know better than anyone. 

“The importance of Division 2, in terms of the championship structure, is really significant. So right away we need to make sure we stay in Division 2”. 

Donegal have, of course, been drawn against current Ulster champions Derry in championship. And with Mickey Harte now manning the reins there, the eyes of the GAA nation will all be on that clash. 

“Derry have been the standard bearers in Ulster for the past two to three years and they were a kick of a ball away from an All-Ireland final last year. 

“We need to be realistic within the county about our expectations and get the team competitive again. As regards silverware, we have to realise what is immediately possible. 

“We were beaten by Down in the Ulster championship, in the first round, and that was just six to eight months ago.So we’re going to have to be patient and see how things progress.” 

Still, Murphy said he was enthused by the return of lads from travel/work and injuries that weren’t involved in 2023. 

“It will be exciting to see the likes of Ryan McHugh, Peadar Mogan, Oisin Gallen and Patrick McBrearty for a full year. Brendan McCole is pushing on and with Michael Langan injury-free, there is a lot of talent there.” 

In regards to his own future, Murphy cleared up any lingering speculation that he might be tempted back into the fray.

He reiterated the point that he had no regrets about retiring after originally making the announcement back in November, 2022. 

“I knew my time was up. I was so lucky to have worn the jersey for fifteen or sixteen years and I gave it my all for that period. 

“But I knew myself two years ago, after that Armagh game, I just knew the time was up for me at that level. 

“I could have maybe clung on for another while and operated at a lesser level. But that is just not me. It’s either all or nothing for me.” 

And while acknowledging that he and McGuinness had a number of conversations, Murphy was still not tempted to return. 

“Everyone was asking that question, but to be honest my decision never changed or budged. 

“It was such a big decision at the time but I knew leaving Clones that day, I was just not able to give the time needed to operate at the level that I believe was needed to play for Donegal. 

“But I’m delighted that Jim is back involved and it is an exciting time for Donegal, and I will be cheering them on from the stand”.

He added: “Myself and Jim would always speak, on and off the phone to each other, on numerous occasions and we were even talking when Jim wasn’t manager. 

“We did discuss it but it was put to bed very soon and my mind never changed as regards coming back and Jim has battered on. 

“It’s also an exciting time for his backroom team where he has two characters like Colm Anthony McFadden and Neil McGee there as well. 

“They are really deep thinkers on the game and really passionate Donegal men, which is another boost, and they would be highly respected among that group of players. That first piece of the jigsaw for Jim has gone really well. 

“No stone will be left unturned, physically, mentally and technically in terms of getting themselves into shape for what will be a very busy season”.