McParland quits London post

Former Down star John McParland has quit as manager of the London senior football team, just nine months after beginning his reign.

The schoolteacher, who is due to release a full statement, denied he was continuing in his role with the Exiles, just 21 days after London chairman Larry O'Leary confirmed McPartland's commitment for 2005.

He officially quit at last Monday's London Board meeting.

Although short, McPartland's nine-game tenure was a successful one, with April's NFL Division 2A away victory over Carlow - 1-10 to 0-12 - being the highlight.

London's first success in four years failed, though, to inspire an improved All-Ireland run as they bowed out of the Connacht championship on an 8-14 to 0-8 hammering from Galway. A 3-24 to 0-6 romp for Dublin in June's qualifiers ended their campaign.

The Exiles - still searching for their first championship win since 1977 - begin their 2005 All-Ireland campaign against Roscommon at Ruislip on Sunday, May 29.