Gavin: “We’ve always looked at how we can improve as a football team, that’s the bit we can control. I’m sure Dessie Farrell will do something similar.”
Jim Gavin has acclaimed his successor Dessie Farrell as “a fantastic choice” after the Na Fianna man was named yesterday as the new Dublin manager.
Many expected Gavin to be in charge for the 2020 season but the six time All Ireland winning manager announced he was stepping away a two weeks ago, a decision that sent shock waves reverberating around GAA circles.
The Dublin county board immediately began the job of replacing Gavin and although a number of names were doing the rounds as a possible replacement – Dessie Farrell always seemed the obvious choice particularly with his track record at Minor and U21 level and so it came to pass he got the nod.
Gavin and Farrell played alongside each other for Dublin including the 1995 All Ireland title win. Gavin was full of praise for Dessie at last nights The Echo Newspaper Sports Awards where he jointly won the Manager of the Year Award alongside Dublin Senior Ladies Football manager Mick Bohan.
“I know Dessie [Farrell] very well, it’s a fantastic choice for Dublin” – former @DubGAAOfficial manager Jim Gavin speaking at The #EchoSportsAwards 2019 last night after receiving Manager of the Year Award alongside Mick Bohan of @dublinladiesg. #COYBIB pic.twitter.com/z6RnqnCD47
— The Echo Newspaper (@TheEchoOnline) December 13, 2019
Jim spoke about how the standards were very much set by the players and how he and the team looked to improve and expected Farrell would do the same.
“We’ve always taken a very much player-centric approach, the players set the bar and high standards for themselves.
“We’ve always looked at how we can improve as a football team, that’s the bit we can control. I’m sure Dessie will do something similar,” Gavin said.
“He’s been involved with the 21’s and minor teams, I played with him back when we were minor as well and with the Dublin seniors so I know Dessie very well, it’s a fantastic choice for Dublin.
“I just wish him and the players the best of success. I’m really excited and looking forward to going to watch them next year.