FORMER DONEGAL MANAGER Brian McIver has replaced John Brennan in the Derry senior football hotseat.
McIver’s appointment was rubber-stamped at a meeting of the Derry county committee last night. McIver was in charge of Donegal between 2006 and 2008, guiding them to the National League title in 2007.
He previously lead Derry club Ballinderry to the 2002 All-Ireland club title when they defeated Nemo Rangers in the final in Semple Stadium and was also part of James McCartan’s back room team when Down reached the 2010 All-Ireland final against Cork.
McIver has assembled a highly-rated back room team with Paddy Crozier, who managed Derry previously between 2006 and 2008, and Paddy Tally, who has had coaching experience with Tyrone, Down and the St Mary’s Sigerson Cup teams.
McIver will take over from John Brennan whose two-year reign ended this season with championship defeats in Ulster to Donegal and in the All-Ireland qualifiers to Longford. Brennan had guided Derry to the Ulster final last year.
In a statement on their official website, the Derry county board stated that ‘this appointment has been made in line with a 3-5 year plan and is part of a strategic approach which seeks to restore our senior football team to competitiveness at the very top level of inter-county Gaelic football.’
McIver admitted it was a major challenge but one he relished.
“Firstly, I am delighted to be given this opportunity. It is a big challenge but one I am looking forward to very much. In football there are no quick fixes, but with everyone pulling in the same direction, I know that Derry are capable of challenging for honours.
I have been very impressed with some of the talent on show in the recent club championship games, and in particular the young talent. I have also been impressed with the crowds at those games. I am very fortunate to have a strong backroom team in place and hereafter it is down to hard work.
“I want a positive approach. That way we can get the best out of every player.”
