Relegation would be a real “kick in the teeth” for Kieran McGeeney and his Armagh squad according to former Dublin star Paddy Andrews.
Speaking on episode four of ‘The Football Pod with Paddy and Andy,’ Andrews told host Tommy Rooney how much Armagh need a win this weekend.
They face Roscommon in a winner-takes-all relegation play off, and whoever comes out on top will play Division One football again in 2022.
The former Dublin attacker, who retired from the inter-county scene in January, has been impressed with the Orchard County so far this season.
“Armagh have waited so long to get to Division One and they’ve played really well.
Their opening day, really impressive against Monaghan, unlucky to lose the Tyrone game I suppose.
For them to go back down to Division Two would feel like a bit of a kick in the teeth for McGeeney”.
There’s no doubting the magnitude of this weekend’s encounter, and Andrews explains how more Division One experience will benefit Armagh.
“I think it’s a big game for Armagh. You want to get a couple of years, even Meath, one year of experience in Division One was of huge benefit to them.
For Armagh to step up to the next level and become real Ulster title contenders, you really need to be in Division One”.
It would be cruel for Armagh to be relegated having played some superb football throughout their three Ulster derbies against Monaghan, Tyrone and Donegal.
Roscommon are in the same boat and have yo-yoed between the top two divisions over the last number of years, gaining promotion along with Armagh in 2020.
The Westerners were victorious when the two sides clashed last season, but Andrews believes Armagh will come out on top.
“I think it (relegation) would be a set back for McGeeney going into the championship, and his players, if they lose that game to Roscommon.
I expect Armagh to win, but I’m sure there’ll be a couple of upsets next weekend”.
