FORMER Tyrone player Colm McCullagh is hopeful that Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher can strike a formidable partnership in their new role as Red Hand joint-managers.

It had been expected that Logan would be named to succeed Mickey Harte in the role with Dooher as his assistant, so there was some surprise when they were announced as joint-managers on November 25 of last year.

McCullagh, who played alongside Dooher during a successful Tyrone career, says they’ve proved before that they can work well together when leading the Tyrone u-21s to the All-Ireland title in 2015.

“There should be a good balance there, Brian has the experience of winning All-Irelands as a player and Feargal played for Tyrone as well.

“They’re both very knowledgeable men in terms of the standards that need to be set, and the tactical end of things as well.

“They’ve worked well together before so it should be a comfortable environment and I expect the two boys to have a good relationship between both themselves and the players.”

McCullagh also commented on the exit of Harte as manager after 18 years in charge.

The former Dromore star was part of a star-studded Tyrone team and says people need to remember that Harte probably didn’t have the same tools at his disposal in the last decade.

“Mickey’s moved onto new pastures at Louth. He hasn’t been as successful in recent years but he was working with a great side when he won those All-Irelands.

“The current group have a bit more work to do and hopefully Brian and Feargal can bring them onto the next level.”

McCullagh also says that the era of the blanket defence seems to be over, something he isn’t complaining about.

“I think it’s changing again, it’s not as defensive as it was.

“There was a period when it was hard to watch but I think the dynamics are changing again, it’s not a case of everyone behind the ball any more.”