Derry board hits back at ‘misleading comments’

Derry County Board moved yesterday to correct “misleading comments” made after Derry’s All-Ireland senior football championship exit.

Their statement declared the board had “not considered, discussed, hinted, or made any approaches as regards next year’s management of teams”.

“It remains the policy of Derry County Board not to review team management for next season whilst some of our teams remain in the championship, and we are eagerly anticipating an All-Ireland U21 hurling semi final against Tipperary.”

The board said senior football boss Paddy Crozier had “full backing and support of Derry County Board, players, and genuine Derry supporters. We resent comments made in publications, which condemn his management in what has become a volatile environment under constant scrutiny.”

The board also disputed suggestions that its players were not provided with “first-class medical provision”.

“This is an insult to the professional medical provision in place. The board recognises the sacrifices; commitment and dedication of all players and in response to managers’ requests have enabled the best chartered physiotherapists to be obtained, in addition to diet and conditioning, doctors on call, and 24hr MRI scan provision.”

It “deplored” condemnations publicised of Paddy Crozier and his players.