BBC SPORT | N Ireland | McEniff and McHugh say no

Two front-runners for the void left by the resignation of Donegal manager Mickey Moran, have ruled themselves out.

Both Brian McEniff and Martin McHugh were hotly-tipped to feature in the race.

However, McEniff, who led Derry to All-Ireland success in 1992, said he was not in a position to take on the job because of other commitments.

McHugh did express that he would like to manage Donegal at some time, but not at the present. Like McEniff he did not put his name forward.

Backtracks

Meanwhile, departed boss Moran has backtracked on his claim that his decision to step down from the Donegal football job was influenced by a lack of commitment within elements of the squad.

The day after his resignation, Moran gave an interview to the BBC where he said that certain decisions made by players had "in a wee way, helped me make my mind up".

However, Moran has now told the Donegal Democrat that his comments were "misrepresented".

Following the BBC interview, rumours swept Donegal that Moran had been annoyed by the behaviour of a number of squad members after the quarter-final draw against Dublin.

In particular, there were allegations that players had been involved in drinking sessions prior to the replay defeat by Dublin.

You can't be there every night of the week to look after them

Mickey Moran's BBC interview

In the BBC interview, Moran said that "there are standards that you have to aspire to".

"You have to be totally committed and totally focused," said Moran on 2 September.

"It's just unfortunate that some people didn't reach those standards.

"Having said that we had a fantastic bunch of players.

"When they were at training they were totally committed any gave everything.

"But you can't be there every night of the week to look after them.

"They have to make decisions for themselves.

"There were some important decisions to make through the year.

"They made their decisions and in a wee way, it helped me to make mine".

I have 52,000 miles done this year, 40,000 last year

Mickey Moran

However, Moran told the Donegal Democrat on Tuesday that the travelling commitments of the job had been the big factor in his decision to quit.

"I will never do another TV interview because they pick out what they want to pick out," said Moran.

"I said in that interview that they (the players) were fabulous fellas, they come from great homes.

The former Donegal boss said he had given his players' permission to "have a pint" on the evening of the drawn game against the Dubs.

"They were quite entitled to have a drink after a match, that's been the normal thing but I would have had a concern over dehydration.

"I would have liked them to not (have a drink) but...that's not why I left.

Efforts will be made to convince John Gildea to rethink his decision to retire
John Gildea: Quits intercounty scene

"I have 52,000 miles done this year, 40,000 last year.

"Add to that 185,000 miles with Sligo - four years in Sligo, two in Donegal".

Moran continues to be linked with the vacant Derry managerial job although that position is unlikely to be filled for several weeks.

Meanwhile, Donegal midfielder John Gildea has announced his retirement from the intercounty game.

Gildea had an outstanding season for Donegal although he was forced to limp out of the replay defeat by Dublin because of injury.

Power quits

It can be guaranteed that the new Donegal manager, whoever he happens to be, will ask Gildea to reconsider his decision.

Meanwhile, Sean Boylan has been returned as Meath manager for a 21st successive year.

Boylan was opposed for the position by former Meath junior team coach Eamon Barry from Dunshaughlin but won the vote 49 to 30.

Meanwhile, Kilkenny hurler John Power has announced his retirement from the game.

The 36-year-old made a late appearance as substitute in Sunday's All-Ireland Final win over Clare.


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