'I love the bones of them': Tony McEntee steps down as Sligo manager

The Armagh man was appointed Sligo manager in late 2020. 

Tony McEntee said it was time for a bit of "freshness" in the Sligo group. Pic: ©INPHO

Tony McEntee stepped down as manager of the Sligo footballers following their defeat to Fermanagh in the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. The Armagh man had spent five seasons at the helm.

“My time as Sligo manager has come to an end," McEntee told reporters after the game. 

“We have had five years now at this stage and my trainer Joe Keane has seven years in there so I think it is time for a bit of freshness in the camp. It has been a wonderful five years.” 

McEntee said the "darkest days" were those around the death of Red Óg Murphy, "but every other day is a good day". 

"There must be at least 75 - 80 players who have come through that changing room, that we've looked at and played at different stages throughout those five years," he said.

"I've grown with a lot of those players. There's a chap at home, he no longer plays football, but he used to say 'I love the bones of ya' and that's the case with these players - I love the bones of them."

McEntee took charge of Sligo on 58 occasions, winning 34 games, making him both the longest serving Sligo manager ever, and the one with the highest winning percentage. 

"There is a lot of good work being done throughout Sligo football and Tony has contributed hugely to that effort," said Sligo chairman Declan Rouse.

"Over the past five seasons Tony and his colleagues have built a strong culture of performance which leaves us well positioned for the future.

"He has helped us create some great memories and we believe the future is bright. We wish Tony the best in his adventure - hopefully, not against us'."