Crofton resigns as Kildare manager

John Crofton's time as Kildare senior football manager has come to an end, it has been confirmed.

Crofton has cited family commitments as the reason behind his decision to quit.

The former county defender had two years at the Lilywhites' helm.

He took over from Padraig Nolan in September 2005 having impressed as member of club side Round Towers whom he guided to the Leinster club final in 2003.

2007 saw Kildare have an encouraging run in the National Football League. They finished second in Division 1B, thanks to wins over Armagh, Derry, Louth and Westmeath but they lost out Donegal at the semi-final stage.

Crofton's side lost first time out in this year's Leinster championship, going down to Meath, before they ran out of steam in the secound round of the qualifiers - Louth shocked them in Newbridge with a 1-16 to 1-10 defeat.

Kildare also lost in the second round of the qualifiers in 2006 when Derry thumped them by 1-17 to 0-11 at Celtic Park.