Dillon wants Mayo to take direct route

Dillon taking the direct route


Mayo’s captain not interested in All-Ireland Qualifiers

Interview
Edwin McGreal

MAYO captain Alan Dillon has admitted that the All-Ireland Qualifiers is not a viable route for the current squad and that Sunday’s Connacht semi-final clash with Galway is a must-win game.
Speaking at a press briefing at McHale Park last Friday evening, the Ballintubber play-maker was responding to a question about whether or not next weekend’s match was ‘make or break’ for Mayo.
“Of course it is,” said Dillon. “It’s only with winning games this team can develop and breed confidence. You look at the last two or three campaigns, the Qualifiers haven’t been too kind to us. It’s very important to beat Galway next Sunday and to go through the front door, winning the Connacht title, for the development of this squad.”
The London game notwithstanding, the 28 years-old feels that things are going better this year than in previous seasons, since James Horan took over.
“I think everything we’re based on this year is about a huge work ethic and intensity. That’s where the top teams are at. We still have a lot of work to do but I think that is the level we have to get to. The training and approach this year is all based on hard graft and that starts from fifteen backwards.
“The past couple of years have been hugely disappointing from where we were three or four years ago,” he added. “But it’s about getting back on track and winning a Connacht title. London was the first step but Galway will be a huge step-up in class.
“I think it’s something the whole squad is looking forward to though,” he continued. “We’re at home in Castlebar, there’ll be a big home support and everyone is confident we can do it.”
After the abject year that was 2010, with defeats to Sligo and Longford, many wondered did some confidence issues affect Mayo in London. Dillon is quick to isolate one from the other.
“We haven’t really mentioned it [2010],” he offered. “It was a previous management era and I don’t think the players want to be reminded of the disappointment of the Longford game. “This year we’ve brought a new approach and definitely a lot of players have brought new things to the table, re-evaluated themselves, and reflected on where they went wrong in previous seasons.”
So where does what happened against London fit into that scheme of things?
“You’re hoping that a good kick in the arse against London has ‘copped’ them on for what’s ahead against Galway because, make no mistake about it, it will be a huge step-up in class.
“There were a lot of bad errors against London. Looking back on the video we made some dreadful mistakes and some of our decision-making at times was very poor.
“It definitely wasn’t good enough and management definitely weren’t happy with some of the performances.
“The week after the London game we regrouped. Some serious words were being said and we’d a good challenge game against Donegal and I think that definitely refocused everyone. “I’m confident that the lads have learned from the mistakes of London and are tuned in for Galway.”
Dillon will be one of the first names on the teamsheet but selecting the starting fifteen is a difficult task right now. The veteran reckons that’s a positive thing, rather than creating some uncertainty.
“In the last three or four years we probably haven’t tried to develop young players and bring them through,” he said.
“In the last couple of years we had too settled a team in the National League and were trying to step it up for championship without the competition for places. There was too much complacency last year whereas this year, in training, you see lads pushing on, and there’ll be a few surprises in terms of selection next Sunday.”