Monaghan to have new boss after Seamus McEnaney quits

McEnaney appeared to lose the support of Monaghan's clubs

Monaghan will have a new football manager after outgoing boss Seamus McEnaney said that he would not allow his name to be nominated for the job.

McEnaney's position was under threat after Monaghan clubs voted last week to seek nominations for the role.

Monaghan's players then issued a statement calling for McEnaney to be given a new three-year term.

However, McEnaney said on Wednesday that he had opted out of the process "in the best interests of Monaghan".

Two weeks ago, McEnaney said that he wanted to remain on in charge for another three years but the Monaghan clubs' decision to seek nominations for the job appeared to leave him in an untenable position.

The Monaghan players attempted to shore up his position by coming out "unanimously" in support of the outgoing boss but McEnaney bowed to the seemingly inevitable on Wednesday.

In a dignified statement, McEnaney thanked the county board and "in particular chairman John Connolly...who game me the opportunity to manage my native county team, a post I was honoured and privileged to hold".

He also went on to thank his club Corduff Gaels, Monaghan's clubs and fans, his backroom teams, the county's players over the past six years and his family for their support.

"I am leaving with a life time of memories from the good days and bad," added McEnaney.

"To give just a small example of the progress this group of players has given Monaghan football, I was one of only 20 Monaghan supporters in Carlow for a NFL game in February 2004.

Progress has been driven from the front by our two outstanding captains, Vinny Corey and Damien Freeman Seamus McEnaney

"To witness 20,000 Monaghan supporters in Clones in July 2010 highlights the incredible work these players have done.

"This progress has been driven from the front by our two outstanding captains, Vinny Corey and Damien Freeman."

McEnaney now appealed for all involved in Monaghan football to move "in the one direction".

"This has been the solid foundation that has served us well over the last six years.

"I would encourage everybody concerned to move on and continue to make further progress as the progression of Monaghan football is of the utmost importance at this time."

The Corduff clubman guided the Farney team to this year's Ulster SFC final where they suffered a heavy defeat against Tyrone before losing tamely to Kildare in the qualifiers.

His Monaghan side were also edged out by Tyrone in the 2007 Ulster Final and suffered narrow defeats by Kerry in the All-Ireland series both in 2007 and 2008.

McEnaney has established Monaghan as a Division 1 side over the past couple of seasons and he leaves the Farney County in a considerably improved position from 2004.