Former Mayo manager James Horan does not "agree with the growing posse of people that are determined to knock football to the very core".

The two-time All-Ireland finalist joined Dara O'Cinneide on Off The Ball tonight to review the Allianz League and touched upon the hot topic affecting the game: the issue of blanket defences and negative tactics.

"I don't think Gaelic football is nearly in as bad a position as some are making out. I do agree that there is a trend that needs to be looked at. But I think that is already starting to evolve. I think you're seeing players skill-set adapting to mass defences," he said.

But O'Cinneide wants to see rule changes that will improve the game.

"There is a need for some form of revival. It's very hard to have a conversation with someone who's playing inter-county football these days and tell them that the product that you're peddling is inferior," said O'Cinneide.

He and Horan also reacted to Tom Cribben's public criticism of his own Westmeath players after their relegation from Division 2.

"I think he regrets it already," said Horan.

Westmeath Manager Tom Cribben ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

"The question I'd ask is what benefit does Tom think saying those things about some of his senior players in the public domain will be for the Westmeath players. They need to go and prepare for championship, and he's going to have some players who are not going to be happy with his comments, so  I don't know how it's off any benefit to do that publicly."

Meanwhile, O'Cinneide reviewed Kerry's match against Tyrone, which sent the Red Hand county down to Division 2.