Rory Gallagher and Jim McGuinness look on in 2013. James Crombie/INPHO
outside manager?
Donegal 'won't exclude anyone' in hunt for new manager as search could begin Monday
Donegal GAA have told TheScore.ie that they would be open to an outside manager replacing Jim McGuinness – leaving the door open to bookies’ favourite Rory Gallagher.
JIM MCGUINNESS’ DECISION to step down as Donegal manager last night was as much of a shock to the county board as it was to everyone else.
Donegal GAA have told TheScore.ie that McGuinness had given “no hints or indication” that he would not be continuing on as manager of the county’s senior team, before yesterday notifying them of his decision to step down.
McGuinness had met with the players before making his decision official in a statement released last night by the county board.
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A spokesman for Donegal GAA explained that “everybody hoped, given the sucesss last year, that Jim would stay on, and I think there would have been no issue if Jim had looked for another term as manager.
“But he’s made his decision now, he’s done his four years and he’s left a foundation there to build on for the future – and maybe, just maybe he’ll be there in the background or at least he’ll be able to give help or guidance to whoever comes in the next time.”
Despite the success of the past four years under Glenties’ native McGuinness, and the stance of counties such as Galway this year in which a desire for a home grown manager has been stated from the onset, Donegal GAA revealed to TheScore.ie that they “won’t exclude anyone” from the selection process.
In confirming they will be “open” to outside candidates, names such as Crossmaglen’s Tony McEntee remaining in the running while former Fermanagh footballer – and McGuinness’ right hand man up until 2013 – Rory Gallagher is the early favourite for the post.
The search is set to begin as soon as Monday evening when officials will gather and form an interview committee. The county board confirmed it will begin accepting nominations from club delegates and “anyone who comes forward” from that date.
“There is a scheduled executive and county board meeting on Monday, it’s not a special meeting but the ground work and the process will start there.”
The spokesman added that the county are confident that, whoever is appointed, will now have the platform to bring continued success to Donegal.
“Jim is in a full time job, his wife also works and he has a young family, so to be honest how he got the hours before I’ll never know, but his commitment to Donegal has been exceptional.
“He’s brought us to three All-Irelands (one U21) so Donegal GAA is in a good place at the moment.”
Donegal 'won't exclude anyone' in hunt for new manager as search could begin Monday
JIM MCGUINNESS’ DECISION to step down as Donegal manager last night was as much of a shock to the county board as it was to everyone else.
Donegal GAA have told TheScore.ie that McGuinness had given “no hints or indication” that he would not be continuing on as manager of the county’s senior team, before yesterday notifying them of his decision to step down.
McGuinness had met with the players before making his decision official in a statement released last night by the county board.
A spokesman for Donegal GAA explained that “everybody hoped, given the sucesss last year, that Jim would stay on, and I think there would have been no issue if Jim had looked for another term as manager.
Despite the success of the past four years under Glenties’ native McGuinness, and the stance of counties such as Galway this year in which a desire for a home grown manager has been stated from the onset, Donegal GAA revealed to TheScore.ie that they “won’t exclude anyone” from the selection process.
In confirming they will be “open” to outside candidates, names such as Crossmaglen’s Tony McEntee remaining in the running while former Fermanagh footballer – and McGuinness’ right hand man up until 2013 – Rory Gallagher is the early favourite for the post.
The search is set to begin as soon as Monday evening when officials will gather and form an interview committee. The county board confirmed it will begin accepting nominations from club delegates and “anyone who comes forward” from that date.
The spokesman added that the county are confident that, whoever is appointed, will now have the platform to bring continued success to Donegal.
“Jim is in a full time job, his wife also works and he has a young family, so to be honest how he got the hours before I’ll never know, but his commitment to Donegal has been exceptional.
Galway chairman insists it’s ‘not good for the county’ to appoint an outside manager
Jim McGuinness steps down as Donegal manager
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GAA Jim McGuiness New Manager outside manager? Donegal