Chrissy McKaigue optimistic for future of Derry football

Chrissy McKaigue says he is optimistic for the future of Derry football despite a difficult season following relegation from Division One, which saw them without a win in the seven games.

Defeat to Donegal in the Ulster championship was followed by another loss against Armagh in the All-Ireland group stages, before rescuing a draw against Galway last weekend.

In what has been a difficult 18 months for the county, McKaigue is confident they can get back on track, and praised the work clubs in the county have been doing over the years.

"Derry has always had a spread of good underage teams across minor, Under-21s, U20s as it is now, and schools.

"That's not a guarantee, don't get me wrong, but I've never seen as many clubs in Derry have their house in order. That rivalry and wanting to compete with each other has made each other better, a rising tide and all that.

"Schools are doing phenomenal work and that should give Derry county teams a really good chance, you would imagine."

"Derry are working hard in the background to put structures in place for that because they've had a consistent spread of teams and players coming all at the one time.

"It's exciting for Derry but be under no illusion the hardest thing is to try and get them players from being really good juvenile players to being really good servants at senior level for Derry."

McKaigue also put into perspective the number of injuries to key players Derry have had this season, while also pointed out the age profile of the team.

"Derry have to claim that they want to be in contention for Sam Maguire in the next ten years.

"They have to be. What's the point then in doing all the work they've done? There's no guarantee, I know that, but the bottom line is you've got to