GAELIC GAMES: New Tyrone manager Mickey Harte yesterday named sports science specialist Paddy Tally as his assistant. But Harte could be forced to cast the net wider to complete his backroom team, following the withdrawal of Tony Donnelly from the set-up because of pressure of work.

He had been due to announce his complete management team at a press conference but was forced to alter the strategy at the last minute.

"Tony Donnelly's name had been mentioned with regard to the back-up team, but as of now that's no longer true. Due to unforeseen work commitments, Tony has had to withdraw, no later than today," said Harte yesterday.

Fr Gerard McAleer, with whom Harte forged a successful management partnership, is expected to have a role to play. "Fr McAleer, who has been with me over the years, will be with me, but all our roles in this new position will be somewhat changed because of the new definition of management, a single appointment," said Harte.

Meanwhile, Tyrone chairman Liam Nelis issued a public apology to Eugene McKenna who had accepted another term in the joint-managers' position along with Art McRory on October 2nd, but less than three weeks later, McRory announced that he wished to step aside for a period for health reasons.

The county board, rather than ask McKenna to continue alone, declared the position vacant. McKenna reapplied for the position, but last week the county board announced that Harte was to be the new Tyrone manager.

"As county chairman, I would like to apologise to all of the people who have been hurt over the last few weeks," said Nelis.

"It was never our intention that this should happen. I would like to apologise in particular to Eugene McKenna and his family for the hurt and anxiety caused to them."