John Evans quits Roscommon job

By Stephen Barry

John Evans has withdrawn his name from consideration to be re-elected as Roscommon manager for the coming year.

A vote was due to be held tonight among club delegates whether to give Evans a further extension to his tenure but the Kerry-native, who was previously reported to be keen on staying in charge, has steeped down in advance of that meeting.

“It is with regret that I wish to withdraw my name from the nomination of [the] upcoming position of Roscommon Senior Football Manager for 2016,” said Evans in a statement.

Evans also addressed “the wonderfully dedicated players who dared to go where others thought they should not tread,” adding that “all I can say I am immensely proud of you all - to a man, and I hope you stay focused on your bright futures ahead.

“Three trophies in 3 years, not bad for a start! I look forward to seeing you mix it with the best as ‘eventually’ Roscommon will be the best.”

The former Tipperary manager took over the Rossies in November 2012 and led them back-to-back League wins in 2014 and 2015.

But having won Division 2 of the National League this year, they could not live up to Evans’s billing of them as All-Ireland contenders.

A surprise loss to Sligo cost them a shot at a Connacht title and they were ultimately dumped out by Fermanagh in the Qualifiers.

Evans’s full statement is below:

“It is with regret that I wish to withdraw my name from the nomination of [the] upcoming position of Roscommon Senior Football Manager for 2016.

“I agreed to a 2 year term initially, followed by a 1 year continuation. However, I do not wish to have my name put forward for a further year and I want to thank the executive committee for their vote of confidence in me.

“I wish to thank the Chairman Michael Fahey for his foresight and expertise, and all his officers for their untiring dedication, support, professionalism, and in particular County Secretary Brian Carroll, County Treasurer Joe Gilligan and County PRO Colm Beirne, who have worked so closely with the team management .

“To the team Selectors Gay Sheerin, Walty Burke, Basil Mannion, no better and true Roscommon men will you find anywhere - Real Rossies, who by their energy, commitment and enthusiasm have raised the bar so high - both on and off the field. To the specialised coaches and Medical staff of Keith, Liam, Niall, James, Aaron, Enda, Joe, Jamie, Gary, Ollie, Seamus, Paul, Nuala and especially Tommy Gilligan, who has been a tireless worker/Kitman for the team, and also the expertise of Dr. Harrison and Dr. Daly and all who have helped us over the past three years.

“Finally, to the wonderfully dedicated players who dared to go where others thought they should not tread, who have risen up and brought Roscommon galloping up from Division 3 straight through Division 2 and up to the top of the pile into Division 1 - all I can say I am immensely proud of you all - to a man, and I hope you stay focused on your bright futures ahead. Three trophies in 3 years, not bad for a start! I look forward to seeing you mix it with the best as ‘eventually’ Roscommon will be the best.”