Andrews promises 'new hope' for Cavan

It's a case of out with the old and in with the older for Cavan as Val Andrews returns to patrol the Breffni Park sideline, this time as joint manager with Lacken clubman Terry Hyland. The pair, who previously teamed up as manager-selector with Cavan from 1998-2001 and Louth from 2004-6, were ratified with the minimum of fuss at a specially-convened county GAA board meeting in the Hotel Kilmore last Thursday night and wasted no time in stating their goals for the future. "This really is the HOPE programme," stated Ballymun Kickhams clubman Andrews. "H stands for Hard work, O is for Opportunity, P is for Professionalism and E is for Energy, and that's really what we're going with. "I mean, it's a wonderful opportunity. I enjoyed it the last time, I made many great friends in Cavan and I intend to have another great journey. Success is being the best you can be, and that's what we're going to do." County board chairman Tom Reilly came in for praise at Thursday's meeting for his speed in resolving the managerial issue following the departure of Tommy Carr. He spoke passionately of a "fresh approach backboned by consultation with clubs" and his words struck a chord with the delegates in attendance - so much so that no vote was needed. After some formalities (Reilly confirmed in response to queries from the floor that the U21 management would remain in place, the term would be for three years with a review after two and, when pressed, that Andrews would have final say on decisions if need be), the chairman deemed the pair elected. "It's nice to get back in with Cavan because your own county is your own county at the end of the day, that's where you want to be. When you're involved in club management and you have any ambition, the first place you want to go is your own county," stated Hyland, who has enjoyed success with the county junior and U21 sides and at club Intermediate level recently. "I'm thrilled as a Cavanman to get involved with Cavan," he said. "And ok, Cavan football seems to be on a little bit of a downer at the moment but it just needs a little bit of a shake up, and a little bit of pride and hopefully that's what we can bring to the table here." An infusion of belief, stated Hyland, will be vital. "The players are good enough, we have good footballers but sometimes good footballers just need something to believe in," he said. " I think mostly they need to believe in themselves. If we can get that into them, I think we'll get back on that ladder." Hyland stressed the fact that the door will remain open for any club footballer who may have something to offer at senior inter-county level. "It's nice to have a little bit of time and not have a rush on it. Hopefully we'll have everything up and running before the close season. One thing is, it's going to be open. It's open for everybody in Cavan who wants to play football - it isn't down to who has been there in the past, it's up to whoever wants to put their name forward and put their body forward and who wants to put their bodies on the line when it comes to championship... Who wants to wear that Cavan jersey with pride. The laconic Andrews, whose last managerial role was with the Dublin minors this season, concurred with Hyland's sentiments and praised the board for making an early appointment. "The county board and Tom Reilly have to be commended," said Andrews. "The big thing is to get a decision, to get the business done very early so it lets the new management team set up its structures, have talks, plan strategies, periodise its training plans for the coming year, spot talent and not be rushed... It's a fabulous move from our point of view." Hard work, he said, will be king under the new regime. "Attitude is everything, that's the bottom line. If you haven't got attitude, you have nothing. I am a firm believer that if you have problems, you look for solutions. One way is getting out of anything is that you have to out-work your competitors. "The genius of genius is the ability to work hard and to keep going every day." Meanwhile, Cavan's 1997 Ulster SFC-winning captain Stephen King has been confirmed as a selector with the new management team. It has not yet been decided if any other selectors will be added, although the chairman intimated at Thursday's meeting that he is close to naming a new trainer. "All I can say at the moment is that he's a good one, and to trust me on it," said Reilly.