Donegal players question County Board stance

The Donegal senior football squad has called into question the involvement of County Board officials in trying to appoint a successor to Brian McIver as manager of the side.

In a statement issued by the squad this afternoon, the players have questioned the selection procedures by the selection committee which includes chairman Sean Kelly and secretary Charlie O'Donnell.

"The players wish to make it clear that we have no issue with any of the candidates for the job, and we believe all hold valid credentials," the statement read.

"However, in light of the breakdown of the appointment process, we would call on club delegates now to reappraise the position of a number of senior executives in the County Board."

Confusion arose over the appointment of McIver's successor, after it was revealed that 1992 All-Ireland winner John Joe Doherty had initially been offered the role following interviews last Wednesday week.

Doherty was the unanimous choice of the selection committee for the post.

However, he since expressed concerns over aspects of the position, and then the joint-ticket of Charlie Mulgrew and Declan Bonner were said to have been offered the role.

Doherty was present at a County Board meeting in Ballybofey on Wednesday night, at which he expressed the view that he had been treated unfairly by certain people.

Mulgrew and Bonner were not present at the meeting but had been due to be ratified to take over as the new management - but this did not take place.

The players also outlined, in their statement, their regret over how the selection process was handled and that the players were not given a role in the appointment of the new manager(s).

"The Donegal senior football squad would like to express its serious disappointment with the manner in which the Donegal County Board selection committee has handled the appointment of a new manager.

"The squad recently conveyed its views on the removal of Brian McIver and offered to consult with the Board during the selection process to find a suitable replacement.

"Although a commitment was given by the Board executive that the squad would indeed be contacted, no communication was received by the players during the process.

"We believe that we had a valuable role to play in the selection process and that the Board executive and selection committee have made a serious mistake by failing to consult with the squad," the statement added.

In addition to Kelly and O'Donnell, the selection committee comprises of treasurer Charlie Cannon, vice chairman PJ McGowan and former county player Sean Ferriter.

It is now expected that Doherty will be ratified as manager at the next County Board meeting, if he is still willing to accept the role.