GAA:Monaghan must look for a new senior football manager after Seamus McEnaney confirmed he will not be putting his name forward for the nomination process.
After six years at the helm McEnaney was expected to be ratified for another term at a county board meeting earlier this month, but officials opened it to the floor and decided to accept nominations for the post instead. Nominations will also be accepted for the positions of senior and minor hurling manager.
“I will not have my name submitted as a nominee for the manager’s position for 2011, I believe this is in the best interest of Monaghan football,” said McEnaney, who was not prepared to reapply for his old job. “Every decision I have ever made as Monaghan team manager has been guided by that principle.”
The Corduff clubman, who was the second longest serving football manager behind Tyrone’s Mickey Harte, had the backing of his players and also paid tribute to them.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to this group of players as their commitment, endeavour, attitude and loyalty to the progress of Monaghan football over the last six years.
“The players are the jewel in the crown. We as a management team strived to give them the best so that they could get the best out of themselves. We built and shared a special bond.”
The outgoing manager suggested there needs to be greater unity within the county so teams can continue to improve. “For a team to progress you need everybody going the one direction; management, players, county board, clubs, supporters and sponsors,” he added.
McEnaney’s future with the Farney county first became uncertain after losing last month’s Ulster SFC final against Tyrone. Six days later they were dumped out of the championship after their round four qualifier defeat to Kildare.
During his time he guided Monaghan to the NFL Division 2 title and earned promotion to Division 1 where they remain for next season.
Nominations for a the management roles must be submitted to the county committee by Friday, September 3rd after which a special sub-committee will be set up to interview nominees.