Moran warns Derry fans not to expect instant success

THE worst-kept secret in GAA has been revealed with the unveiling of Mickey Moran as the successor to Eamon Coleman as manager of the Derry footballers.

Moran, who worked alongside Coleman when Derry captured the All-Ireland in 1993 and later went on to take over from the charismatic Ballymaguigan man, has been favourite to become Derry manager since he resigned from Donegal earlier this year.

Although Moran had taken Donegal to the All-Ireland quarter final, where they were beaten after a replay by Dublin, he left the job in the wake of the behaviour of some players following the drawn game. After his resignation, it was widely believed Moran would take the helm at Derry. He is joined by John Morrison, who also worked with him in Donegal this summer.

Moran believes Derry supporters shouldn’t expect success straight away.

“I think this is a rebuilding job. I feel I have about three years left at this level, and I want to give that to Derry. I am back home now, and the job will be much easier for me,” says Moran who has travelled the past six years to manage counties. Before his two seasons with Donegal, he spent four seasons with Sligo.

“The job will mean I will be able to spend more time with my family.

People might say I am filling someone’s shoes, but I don’t fill anyone’s shoes. I will look at the current situation and take things on their own merits.

“This job is about looking to the future,” he said. “It is about rebuilding. There is potential in the county, there has been some success at colleges and club level, so if we can get the structures right, there is no reason why that can’t translate onto county level.”

Meanwhile, Mayo football legend Liam McHale has been appointed as one of two selectors who will operate with new Mayo county manager John Maughan.

Maughan’s appointment was confirmed yesterday and he announced the county’s former star forward would be one of two selectors who will work with him. The second selector will be announced in due course.

McHale and Maughan will work exclusively with the county’s senior and U21 panels.