Kevin McKernan has backed the county’s senior footballers to bounce back from the disappointing end to their 2026 campaign.
And he says that they should do so with Conor Laverty at the helm.
Down were stunned in the Tailteann Cup final by Division Four’s Wicklow, which put a dampener on a season which had included an incredible win over Donegal in the Ulster Championship, and promotion to Division Two in the National League.
While he is positive, McKernan added that players must take responsibility for the final defeat and use it as motivation for next year.
“I was disappointed with the result like every Down supporter and every Down player.
“The buck stops with the players on this one.
“No disrespect to anyone, but from watching the game, Down didn’t give their chances the respect that they deserved.”
McKernan believes they have every chance to maintain Division Two status next year.
He says that Conor Laverty is the man to lead them.
“You look at the likes of Armagh and of Tyrone and you see the longevity of giving the right man the time that he needs.
“I think that Down need that continuity Conor has worked hard with that U-20 team over a four-year period.
“I think that Down need that continuity.
“When I was a player, there was a toing and froing of different management teams. They were all brilliant management set-ups in their own right. But with that toing and froing, it was very hard for players to keep adjusting to new set-ups.
“This management team is in a strong place in terms of where the team are at. It is down to the players to take the next step and go after this Division Two campaign.”
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