It may have taken more than four months, but Derry finally replaced Mickey Harte when they appointed Paddy Tally as their new manager.
The Tyrone native was working with Kerry as a Performance Coach, preparing to do his fourth year with The Kingdom, but opted to take this opportunity when it presented itself.
The fact that the former Down manager is from Tyrone, sparked outrage from Derry legend Joe Brolly, who was very vocal about Harte's appointment, and the need for the Oakleafers to have a native man in charge.
However, Brolly's friend and former colleague Spillane, has taken the opportunity in his latest Sunday World column, to defend both Tally and the ex-RTE pundit.
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“My great friend Joe Brolly, in typical GAA fashion, went for the man and not the ball, and declared that Derry have no chance of winning an All-Ireland with Paddy Tally in charge.
“Now far be it from me to disagree with the bould Joe, but I think there’s a great chance for Derry in 2025, and indeed a lot of other counties, to win the All-Ireland.
“All I can say to Paddy is yes, Joe was harsh, but having worked with Joe for many years, I can tell you this.
“If Derry win the All-Ireland he will be the first man to write an article praising you and your success.”
Not only does Spillane think that Tally is a great appointment for the Ulster side, he also believes that his departure is a blow for Kerry as well.
When the Galbally clubman joined Jack O'Conner's backroom team in 2022, they almost instantly looked much more formidable as a defensive unit.
Not only did they go on to win the All-Ireland that year, they only conceded one goal in the championship, which was a wonder-strike from Cormac Costello in the semi-final stages.
With the new rules being introduced in 2025 as well, managers who are also great coaches will be more important than ever, so Derry look to be in a healthy position.
