Comment: A new beginning as Jim's rules reign

And so the season is up and running; new rules and all and if what we saw on Saturday's entertaining game is anything to go on hopefully football will be the main beneficiary, eventually.

Great to see so many young boys and girls at the game; each club represented in the parade certainly added to the occasion while allowing kids to play on the pitch at half-time and at the end (despite the miserable evening) was also a very positive move and those responsible are to be complimented on that particular initiative.

The huge crowd seemed to have caught those in authority somewhat by surprise.

Long queues at the entrance and the game under way will have to be looked at; in fairness those manning the styles were not the cause of the problem; the undoubted problem was not enough styles were open, and that is not the first time.

Simple.

No shortage of styles so better to have them open than long queues forming, even allowing for those who were possibly 'held-up' getting some 'warmth' inside them before venturing over to the stadium.

It is looking like it is not just The Dubs who leave it to the last minute to turn-up but regardless more styles open is a necessity.

The New Rules Head Guru, Jim Gavin, was escorted to the game by one of his former trusted lieutenants from his Dublin management days, former Cork player (now 'nearly' an adoped Lilywhite) John Courtney.

Now 'The Colonel' may not fancy being called a lieutenant but that is football speak rather than army speak but either way, 'Jim' seemed more than satisfied with what he witnessed on the night.

Overall most folk seemed pleased with what was on offer and while there were times one scratched one's head following a refereeing decision, moving the ball forward 50m, but once it was realised what it was for, then that bit of 'tension' eased somewhat.

Still a 50m advance for a player stepping over the half-way line, thus leaving just two players behind him, seems somewhat harsh to say the least; possibly could be one of those rule that might be looked at when a review is taking place but one can't expect a rule change before the commencement of the Allianz Football League, whatever about the start of the provincial championships and the All-Ireland series.

Interesting to hear the views of Kildare defender, Kevin Flynn after the game.

Missed a lot of last season through hamstring problems, the Celbridge man said he was delighted to get some game time.

The defenders said he felt there was “great excitement out there before the game, new regime, new ground, new rules, so a lot of changes but I felt the first half was quiet a good game; the second half was a lot of changes from both sides but over all very enjoyable and great to be back.”

Flynn said while there are a lot of new faces on the panel felt “Kildare fans would be familiar with them from underage teams so a lot of faces would be know and it is now a matter of getting the right blend, mixing the old with the new and helping the younger lads in particular settle in at this level.”

Kevin said the new management will bring new ideas, which is very important, and it was obviously needed after a negative few years; we want to try and put that behind us get a bit of energy and some fresh momentum; definitely a lot of good players on the panel; the set-up has been excellent so far and I am really looking forward to it and I know the lads overall are all looking forward to giving it real

go.”

On the new rules the Maynooth man said he felt they added to the spectacle; even though from time-to-time there was still that slow attack; little things we will have to be very disciplined but overall very positive.”

Asked on the three players at the back at all times and was that playing on his mind throughout the game he replied “a few times I said to myself I should be bombing forward but then I was looking over my shoulder, so maybe that is me over-thinking it for the first while and that will hopefully come a little more natural but definitely a lot more communication, the furthest man back saying 'you are good to go' or stay so that will take a bit more awareness and indeed communication but as we said at half time the three back does not have to be the full back line but that will sort itself out, hopefully; overall very positive.”