Maughan refuses to look back

Although many people will refer to last year's championship defeat of Donegal by Fermanagh as a barometer for this year's tie, John Maughan believes the result is of no relevance. "Those were different teams, in many ways. What happened last year won't even be discussed, at least in the Fermanagh dressing-room. I don't think it matters whatsoever."

After that win, Fermanagh fell narrowly against the defending Ulster champions Armagh, and when Maughan, a name synonymous with success, decided to take over after Peter King's impressive tenure, Fermanagh suddenly looked a hot ticket. But from the beginning, the former Mayo manager was not tempted by perception that Fermanagh had a team capable of delivering a quick-fix swoop.

"I think that was always an over-simplistic reading. While Fermanagh performed creditably against Armagh, I think even the most ardent supporters will acknowledge that they had a bit of luck on the way. Against Donegal, Tony Boyle narrowly missed a penalty that, if converted, could well have seen his team on to a fairly handsome win. And the general view of this year's championship would be that the other section of the draw, with Armagh and Tyrone, is where the favourites lie."

His enthusiasm for the team he is working with is, however, undimming. "The past week, with the sunshine so strong, has really brought a summer feel to it and the build-up and expectation is palpable. There is a lot of interest around now and a bit of tension, which is great - it's the reason I enjoy being in management." That the selectors from both sides have opted to give three players their debuts has encouraged the comment that the counties are essentially fielding sides with an eye on future years.

"I don't see it that way," Maughan replies. "Certainly, we have some different personnel from last year, but I think it's inevitable that there would be some degree of natural wastage. We have brought in young Ryan McCloskey in defence, a tremendous young prospect, and also Marty McGrath, who has come up through the under-21 squad. Neil Cox, who played championship last summer, is another young player who is progressing very well.

"And I have no fear of youth. I think it is a young man's game more so than ever now; the signs are there. Even if you look at Mayo's recent league win, it was on the back of four under-21s coming through. Now, I'm not saying I based our selection on that, but I think the days of defenders in their mid to late 30s are over."

Despite those changes, Fermanagh's attack is almost identical to that which caught the imagination last year.

"It is generally recognised that we have a forward line that is on a par with the best in this country. The absence of Raymond Gallagher is a blow, because he is a player of special talent, but we still have an ability there in abundance. There is no question that our team has a lot of quality in it and there is every reason for optimism at this point."

Maughan says he knows little about Donegal. "Naturally I would have seen a few of their personnel in previous years but, as a team, I would not be all that familiar with them. Jim McGuinness is named at corner forward, but it is a safe bet to assume he won't remain there. I think that Paul McGonigle will probably play at midfield with John Gildea, but I don't know if it will be an orthodox formation. We'll have to wait and see."