Updated 17.30
JOHN EVANS HAS stepped down as Roscommon senior football manager, hours before the county’s clubs were set to decide on his future.
The Roscommon county executive had recommended extending Evans’s term for another year, but support was not unanimous and a vote was due to take place this evening.
“It is with regret that I wish to withdraw my name from the nomination of upcoming position of Roscommon senior football manager for 2016,” Evans said.
“I agreed to a two-year term initially, followed by a one-year continuation. However, I do not wish to have my name put forward for a further year and I want to thank the executive committee for their vote of confidence in me.”
Evans guided Roscommon to back-to-back league titles in Division 3 and Division 2, as well as the 2015 FBD League, but their championship campaign never lived up to its promise and ended with a shock defeat to Fermanagh in the qualifiers.
After thanking the county board, his selectors and coaches, Evans paid tribute to his squad.
He said:
To the wonderfully dedicated players who dared to go where others thought they should not tread, who have risen up and brought Roscommon galloping up from Division 3 straight through Division 2 and up to the top of the pile into Division 1 — all I can say I am immensely proud of you all — to a man, and I hope you stay focused on your bright futures ahead.
“Three trophies in three years, not bad for a start!
“I look forward to seeing you mix it with the best as ‘eventually’ Roscommon will be the best.”
The county executive committee will meet shortly to discuss “the difficult task” of appointing Evans’s successor, a statement confirmed.
