ANOTHER season, another National Football League and nothing changes. Suspect commitment to the competition is no less prevalent than before.

For too many players the preChristmas league campaigns seem off putting. Suddenly, injuries become widespread, the hypochondriac is heeded more than at any other time in the year and sabbaticals for key players are freely granted by tolerant and facilitating managers.

Derry are a case in point with up to 14 of the panel, as we knew it last season, getting the nod to take time out.

Why are there not more players around like Derry's Joe Brolly who cannot get enough football. This week he told The Irish Times there are not a sufficient number of games in the year. He looks forward to another League series while admitting to a dislike for the training. What's new?

For some managers, not least Dublin's Mickey Whelan, Galway's Val Daly, Tyrone's Danny Ball and caretaker Cavan boss Donal Donohue, the start of a new League presents a sense of apprehension.

In Whelan's case, the past couple of months have not been easy. Dealing with an imminent revolt among some players in the camp placed an additional burden on him.

Happily, the rift which resulted in John O'Leary, the team captain, training with his club rather than with the county panel in recent weeks has been mended. O'Leary returned to training for the first time in a number of weeks last Tuesday and resumed goalkeeping duties.

Whelan has since been seen to stick by his promise to introduce new blood into the team. He has made some unexpected decisions in naming the side to take on Leitrim in Carrick on Shannon.

Few could have seen or heard of the new full back Darren Homan. The manager is responding to the fine displays by the Thomas Davis player in the local senior football league. He will be assured of firm support from experienced flankers Paddy Moran and Ger Regan.

Val Daly is happy that his new look Galway side can be good enough to take the points on offer in Tuam against Barney Rock's Westmeath in the Division Three game.

Donal Donohue, standing in for Martin McHugh will be forced to field a make shift side which perhaps gives him an excuse no matter what happens against a depleted Meath in Navan.