Fenton: Dubs may look to harness siege mentality in Cavan
Former Dublin midfielder Brian Fenton feels Ger Brennan may look to generate a siege mentality in the camp as he returns from suspension ahead of their knockout clash with Cavan at Kingspan Breffni on Sunday.
Brennan's controversial 12-week suspension following the fracas in Salthill expires on the eve of Dublin's Round 2B showdown in Cavan, meaning he will be free to return to the sideline.
In the intervening period, Dublin came perilously close to losing to Wicklow and were subsequently beaten in Croke Park by Westmeath in the Leinster final and then by Louth in Round 1 of the All-Ireland series.
Meanwhile, Dublin's sense of grievance was further stoked after Jim McGuinness escaped sanction for his intervention in the half-time melee between Kerry and Donegal in Fitzgerald Stadium last month.
GAA President Jarlath Burns' comments that it was "irrational" to compare Brennan's tussle with the Galway strength and conditioning coach and McGuinness's exchange with Kerry's Diarmuid O'Connor provoked a furious response from the Dublin camp.
First, selector Niall Moyna labelled Burns' remarks as "disingenuous" on Morning Ireland before Brennan issued a statement through his solicitor branding them "insulting" and characterised his ban as "draconian".
In the statement, released by his solicitor Conor Sally, Brennan said the experience had left him feeling "disenfranchised" and "undervalued" by the association.
While the controversy will surely leave an aftertaste once Brennan is back on the line, Fenton says the manager's return should be a benefit to Dublin.
Dublin selector Niall Moyna with interim manager Dean Rock before their Leinster semi-final win over Louth
Fenton says that Brennan was likely in regular remote contact with the squad, citing the Dubs' arrangements during Dessie Farrell's ban during 2021 for a breach of Covid protocols.
"I'd say he was involved in match-days - I don't want to speak for anyone. But I'd say he was involved via Zoom screens or voice notes," said Fenton on the RTÉ GAA podcast.
"I remember during the Covid years when Dessie got the ban for us training, there was the TV wheeled in, like in primary school, and Dessie popped up on the screen.
"All of that is happening - there's no denying it.
"But Ger hasn't been around the group. That's the difficult thing. Having him around, it's [a case of] OK, we're back to normal. But then our season is on the line so it's almost too little, too late.
"If they lose, everyone will go back to talking about the Ger Brennan thing.
"But it'll be a massive benefit. For Ger to be there in person, giving the team-talk and maybe creating that bit of siege mentality.
"I was surprised with Jarlath Burns' comments. I think Ger and Niall will create a bit of siege mentality. They'll say everyone is against us and that kind of works for teams, certainly on a game by game basis.
"The players will feel a sense that it's all done now, Ger's back and they could get a run going. I think they got a favourable draw."
Fenton still fancies Dublin to navigate the challenge of a Cavan side, who just about clung on in Division 2 and who have lost to Monaghan and Westmeath in championship - albeit only to the latter after extra-time.
However, he acknowledges there are numerous issues in the side, with two different goalkeepers used in the last two games, Hugh O'Sullivan replacing Evan Comerford for the Louth match.
While they are also failing to get a boost from their bench - which was one of the most feared weapons in their arsenal in the 2010s.
"Very, very disappointed after the Louth game. You get a sense there was a bit of complacency. When I watched them play Louth in Laois, there was a bit of fire in them, a bit of motivation and they looked in a good place.
Craig Lennon steers home Louth's fourth goal in Round 1
"The goalkeeper situation, I don't think helps... Unless you're Armagh and you have two excellent goalkeepers for two different game-plans - having consistency in your goalkeeper is very important.
"And Dublin haven't figured it out. For all we know, Stephen Cluxton could be back in nets.
"Getting Con [O'Callaghan] back on the pitch, having him sharp in parts was good to see. Lee Gannon came on and looked a bit rusty but the two [extra] weeks will serve him well.
"Killian McGinnis suffered a cruciate injury which is a huge loss. Dublin aren't getting a massive bounce off their bench that we were known for. There's isn't that depth there with a lot of new lads.
"Cavan obviously had a spirited performance in Mullingar. I would fancy Dublin - but who's to know?"
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