IT HASN’T BEEN a bad start to life as Dublin manager for Jim Gavin.

Ushered into the hotseat last year, he quickly got to work in assembling his setup and began planning for the 2013 season.

He’s hit the ground running as well and as his first league campaign draws to a close, Gavin is edging closer to acquiring silverware.

Tyrone stand in Dublin’s way on Sunday afternoon as the Allianz Division 1 football league title is up for grabs in Croke Park.

So after five games in the O’Byrne Cup and eight games in the league, it’s an opportune time for Gavin to reflect on where he and his team stand.

Form Players

Several of Dublin’s young guns have caught the eye but Paddy Andrews and Johnny Cooper, two players who had been peripheral figures in recent years, have also burst to the fore.

Jim Gavin:
“I knew Johnny and Paddy very well, obviously, from the U21’s setup. Probably, more importantly, they knew me as well. I think any player that doesn’t get game-time will be disillusioned. Both players would have seen it as an opportunity. I spoke to both players individually. I was honest with them and said the guys that are performing will get the slots.”

Captain Cluxton

As Gavin’s own playing days with Dublin drew to a close in 2002, Stephen Cluxton’s career between the sticks was just starting. The overlapping of their playing days left an impression on Gavin and helped him in entrusting the Parnell’s player with the captaincy role.

Jim Gavin:
“I was very impressed with his attitude even then as a young guy and I was very impressed with how he handled himself as a captain of the (Ireland) Compromise Rules team. He sets very high standards of himself both on and off the field and he has continued to do that. That’s what I want of a captain.”

Tackling Tyrone

The only blot on Dublin’s league copybook to date was their one-point loss to Tyrone on St Patrick’s weekend. Now the teams renew acquaintances.

Jim Gavin:
“I’m been very impressed with their energy in games. They play a different system to us but they are very hard to break down. When you counter attack it is a very big wall they put up. To get Sean Cavanagh back is a massive plus and I think it has a lot to do with why they have pushed on. I think they are going to have a big say in where Sam Maguire goes this year.”

Here’s how the Dubs won their last football league title…20 years ago

Treatment Table: Injury latest before this weekend’s Allianz league finals