Down star Kevin McKernan says that new manager Paddy Tally “will put things in place that encourage a positive atmosphere”.

McKernan played under Tally when St Mary’s University, Belfast shocked UCD to claim a second ever Sigerson Cup triumph in February of last year, and he expects the Tyrone native to bring an attacking approach to the Mourne County for the new season which gets underway this Sunday when they visit Cavan in the Dr McKenna Cup.

“If you don't score, you don't win. Playing with Paddy, we've been told to express ourselves on the front foot,” the Burren clubman is quoted saying by The Irish News.

“'The Down Way', it's complete nonsense. Boys are playing on this notion that 2010 was based on getting back to the ‘Down Way' of '91 and '94 - it's a catchphrase that people and maybe journalists are quick to go on.

“In Down, we enjoy our football and we know now that we have to be set up well. Being naïve to go out and play 15 on 15 is just nonsense.

“We'll be as expansive as we can, building towards where you want to be solid in championship games and that comes from being set up well.”

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