Feargal Logan believes Tyrone can dig themselves out of a hole and dodge the drop for a second successive season.
The Red Hands are anchored at the bottom of the Allianz League Division One table with three tough ties ahead of them in their battle for survival.
First up it’s the visit of All-Ireland champions Kerry to Omagh this weekend for a must-win encounter for the Ulster men.
Read more: Sean Cavanagh slates 'most disorganised Tyrone team' he's seen in his lifetime
Joint-manager Logan can see a way out of the crisis for his under-performing side, but admits that the signs are not encouraging.
“It’s not fatal at this stage, it’s not fatal yet, but listen, you’ve got to read the trajectories, and the trajectories aren’t good,” he said.
Tyrone have struggled for form since winning a fourth All-Ireland title in 2021, but have won their sole home game this year, beating Ulster rivals Donegal, with two more ties at O’Neills Healy Park to come.
Armagh make the short trip for what could be a decisive concluding fixture at the end of this month.
“We have two big home games coming up here now, and let’s see what we can do,” said Logan.
First they must find a way to bounce back from last weekend’s 10-point loss to Mayo as they prepare to face a Kerry side almost back to full strength.
“We have plenty to deal with next weekend with Kerry coming up.
“They’re the All-Ireland champions and they’re now kicking into gear, so that’s going to be another battle. So let’s hope that it’s a more favourable battle.”
Logan felt that last Saturday’s game in Castlebar could have taken a twist in his side’s favour had they not had a goal ruled out early in the second half.
Joe Oguz cut in from the left to fire an angled shot to the net, but referee Noel Mooney, apparently playing advantage but cutting it short, called the play back to award a free to the attacking side, from which Darragh Canavan hit the post.
Moments later, Mayo scored a third goal to put the game virtually out of sight.
“I don’t know whether the referee had stopped it. he gave a very long advantage tonight in general terms, but he didn’t seem to give a long advantage so much that time.
“But listen, there’s no point in us reaching for excuses, we just have to face the facts and live with it and get on.”
That 4-10 to 0-12 win, Mayo’s first over Tyrone at Castlebar in over 30 years, sent the Connacht men to the top of the Division One table, and flying high under new boss Kevin McStay.
“I was impressed with Mayo. They had everything we have seen this year and we’ve always seen from them,” Logan said.
“They’re athletic, they’re physical, they’re direct and they have hard runners.
“They have to be commended, they’re sitting presumably up top now, and full credit to Mayo, they’re in good order, they have a selection of good footballers, and Tommy Conroy is back for them.”
READ NEXT:
- Recap as relegation worries deepen for Tyrone as they ship four goals in 10-point defeat to Mayo
- Translink, Irish Football Association and Ulster GAA team-up to launch Play It Safe campaign
Armagh and former NI footballer Aoife Lennon opens up on anorexia battle
- Donegal captain Paddy McBrearty faces race to be fit for Ulster Championship clash with Down
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
