Eamonn Fitzmaurice intrigued by Mickey Harte's approach with Derry after surprise appointment

Eamonn Fitzmaurice is fascinated to see how Derry will evolve under new manager Mickey Harte, believing their county board have made a bold bid for experience to land a coveted All-Ireland title.

It was near-impossible to predict Derry would attempt to headhunt a manager long associated with provincial rival Tyrone.

But Harte was a shock appointment to the Oak Leaf vacancy on Monday night as he informed Louth of his desire to part ways for pastures new.

Confirmation arrived on Tuesday of the appointment, leaving many in shock, including RTÉ GAA analyst Fitzmaurice.

He told RTÉ Sport: "You can see the attraction from Derry's point of view. There will be five counties with All-Ireland winning managers. Three of them are going to be in Ulster which is going to make it interesting.

"There's Tyrone, Derry and Donegal and obviously Kerry and Dublin as well. Having someone in charge of the team who has been there, done that and got it over the line is a huge thing.

"Obviously within Ulster there is huge rivalry but the Derry v Tyrone one is a massive traditional rivalry. In the recent past until Derry have kind of come strong the last few years, it wasn't to the fore publicly as much as it would have been before. But Derry's rise has made it a real thing again.

"I know a lot of former Tyrone players who have played under Mickey Harte have gone to different counties all over Ulster and scattered the Tyrone gospel all over the province.

"But this is different because when their most successful manager is going to one of the most traditional rivals, it is different.

"And the fact Derry are dining at the top table as serious contenders for an Ulster Championship next year and for the All-Ireland. It changes the dynamic for sure."

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