Mickey Harte, the new Derry football manager, has dismissed media and social media commentary on his controversial appointment, stating that it doesn't bother him. Harte, a Tyrone native and former manager of the county, sensationally joined his old side's rivals from Louth this summer.
The move has been likened to former Manchester United midfielder Alex Ferguson moving to United's long-time rivals, Liverpool, or Manchester City. Social media, like every big topical subject in sports, has reacted to Harte's move as expected. However, according to the Tyrone legend, it doesn't bother him because he hasn't seen or heard it.
"People need to realise it doesn't bother me," Harte told BBC Sport NI at the McKenna Cup draw. "I don't hear it, I don't see it, I don't read it."
Harte has also claimed that nobody he has met has been angered by his shock move regarding his Derry switch. "Because there's a bit of loud noise that comes from places, that doesn't mean that there are a lot of people talking like that," added Harte. "A few people can make lots of noise and then give the impression that everybody is talking. I met loads of people, and not one of them said a cross word to me in Tyrone and indeed in Derry either."
Mickey Harte has joined Derry (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Harte's next quest with Derry will be retaining their Ulster crown in 2023. The Oak Leaders beat Armagh 3-1 in a penalty shootout last year. Harte doesn't see the pressure when it comes to the Derry job and instead is looking to add value to the role.
“I don't see it as pressure at all. It's just a question that they have made serious progress in the last three or four years. To win back-to-back Ulster titles is no mean feat, as we all know. They've been in two All-Ireland semi-finals. They're a very good team.
"Myself, Gavin, and the management team around us believe that we can bring something additional to them. If we bring enough additional value to them to add to what they have, then it's going to make them even more competitive than they've been in recent times. I think that will put them in a very good place. Nobody can guarantee anything about cups, titles, or anything else."
McKenna Cup draw:
Group A: Tyrone, Armagh, Donegal
Group B: Derry, Cavan, Down
Group C: Monaghan, Fermanagh, Antrim
