NIGEL DINEEN HAS withdrawn from the race to be the Roscommon senior football manager in 2017, expressing ‘strong reservations about the integrity’ of the appointment process and leaving Kevin McStay as the only candidate left for the post.
Dineen, who has enjoyed success in recent years as manager of the Roscommon U21′s, released a statement to local radio station Shannonside this morning, outlining the reasons for his decision.
It’s the latest twist in a saga that has hit Roscommon football since their championship exit in July at the hands of Clare.
Fergal O’Donnell – joint manager this year with McStay – resigned along with two selectors in early September.
A few days later it emerged that Dineen, who guided Roscommon to All-Ireland U21 final battles in 2012 and 2014, was to go forward and would challenge former Mayo All-Star winner McStay.
They were the only two known candidates and set to go forward for interview next week.
However Castlerea St Kevin’s club man Dineen has withdraw as he hold concerns over the make-up of the selection committee.
The full statement issued by Dineen reads:
“I wish to withdraw my nomination for the position of the Roscommon senior football manager, a position I applied for with the best intentions, highest ambitions and in the utmost good faith.
“While I have gathered what I consider to be one of the best management teams that the county has ever seen, which includes four former county Roscommon players, of the highest calibre, who know what it’s like to wear the jersey and all share the same passion for Roscommon football as I do, I do not consider that this is the appropriate time to proceed on this journey.
“I have strong reservations about the integrity of the selection and recruitment process and I have raised these concerns directly with the County Board who refused to address them.
“I would have no issue whatsoever with taking on any manager in the country with my expert management team, in a fair, open and transparent recruitment process.
“But if the playing-field is not level during the process itself what hope is there for a fair/successful outcome?
“I understand that the county boards’ hands may be tied, in some respects, with regard to the legacy of the previous management structure. This is what it is.
“It appears that similar influences are at play behind the scenes in Roscommon county football, which were clearly prevalent at the time of the demise of the previous O’Donnell/McStay joint management structure. This is unfortunate and extremely damaging.
“However, what is important now is that a manager be put in place as expeditiously as possible in the best interests of Roscommon football.
“I would like to wish the County board, the incumbent management team and very especially the players every good wish and success in the coming season.
“I would also like to thank the clubs and the people of Roscommon for their kind words and support.
“Last but not least, I wish to thank my loyal management team for their time, support and for their faith in my leadership.”
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