SOME of the stories surrounding Brian Dooher’s commitment to training were legendary during his illustrious inter-county career which saw the Clann na nGael clubman captain his county to two All-Ireland titles.

But the passing years have not diminished his determination to improve. Now, as both him and Feargal Logan, prepare for their first training session with the Tyrone seniors when the coronavirus restrictions finally ease, he will no doubt be very aware of what’s needed from both players and management as they get set for the new season.

“There is a pressure obviously and it’s a challenge and an opportunity as well. When we were playing, Mickey Harte provided us with the platform to be the best we could be. That worked out in three years in 2003, 2005 and 2008 because of the structures that were put in place,” he said.

“Now it’s up to us to put those structures in place again so that the players can reach their full potential. Who knows what’s out in front of us, but all we can do is the best we can and see where that takes us. There are expectations, and opportunity also.

“We will have an open door policy for anyone out there on the club scene who believes that they’re good enough. This year’s Tyrone championship was a revelation all around the country and hopefully we will be in the position to give those players the chance to wear a Tyrone jersey.”

It will be, according to the former forward, a case of assessing players. But he stresses that any particular style of play is going to be looked at and that the modern game demands players to line out in any number of different positions.

“We have an open mind on things and definitely won’t be pigeon-holing players by saying that they need to play somewhere and nowhere else. We need complete footballers that can do a job anywhere, no matter where it may be because you don’t know where you’ll end up on any given day or match,” he added.

By Alan Rodgers