GAELIC GAMES: SUGGESTIONS THAT Donegal football manager Jim McGuinness is to take on a full-time position as sports psychologist with Liverpool football club have been dismissed by the Donegal County Board.
Donegal chairman PJ McGowan yesterday confirmed McGuinness, who is half way through a four-year term, intends to continue as manager of the All-Ireland and Ulster champions.
“Jim was appointed for four years and he has only done two,” said McGowan. “He wanted four years himself and that’s what we agreed to.
“This is total news to me. We have already talked to Jim about plans for what he intends to do over the winter months and next year.
“What Jim does in his own time is his business but this would be a total shock,” McGowan added.
McGuinness has an MSc in sport psychology from John Moore’s University in Liverpool and has given lectures to several non-GAA sports organisations. He is believed to have recent links with Liverpool’s manager and Antrim native Brendan Rodgers.
However, the idea that McGuinness would take on a sports psychologist role in a permanent capacity does not appear to be a viable option for at least two more years.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that the delayed Donegal club championship will be completed on November 4th, a week before the winners face the Armagh champions in the Ulster club championship.
All-Ireland club champions Crossmaglen Rangers face Pearse Óg in the Armagh final on Sunday week.
“Our championship is played on a home-and-away basis in the first round,” McGowan explained. “Basically, a team must win one and draw one to progress. It is not based on scores. Last weekend we had the first round, first leg.
“This weekend we have the second leg. If there are replays they will have to be played under lights midweek because otherwise we don’t have the time to meet Ulster deadlines. We have already been granted a week postponement before playing the Armagh champions.”
The process of appointing a Roscommon football manager for 2013 has yet to begin. An appointment committee has been formed by the county board but no discussions have taken place with any candidates, said Roscommon secretary Brian Stenson.
The club nomination deadline was September 21st.
Former senior manager and All-Ireland Under-21 winning manager Fergal O’Donnell is a possible option to return to the position he held in 2011. John O’Mahony TD has also been mentioned while former Monaghan and Meath manager Séamus McEnaney has already made public his interest in the role.
