The Tyrone management saga took another twist on Sunday as former boss Eugene McKenna unexpectedly addressed the county convention.

County chairman Liam Nelis responded and also came out strongly in his convention speech against professionalism in the GAA.

However, despite McKenna's obvious rage all the main officer bearers were re-elected.

Earlier his week, the deposed manager had blasted the county board for their inept handling of the affair in a letter to all clubs.

The county committee must be held to account by the delegates who elected them Eugene McKenna

McKenna repeated his claims that Art McRory and himself were unceremoniously dumped from their posts as joint managers.

The comment received a measure of support from the floor of the convention.

"We can't lurch from crisis to crisis, and the county committee must be held to account by the delegates who elected them," said McKenna.

"I would ask anyone on the county committee to say if they believe anything in my letter to be incorrect."

McKenna said he felt that the entire matter had been handled in "a disgraceful, incompetent and vindictive manner".

But chairman Nelis rejected allegations of incompetency.

"The fact that in April we had seven trophies, and a healthy balance sheet at the end. Some measure of incompetence that," said Nelis.

Meanwhile, county secretary Dominic McCaughey comfortably survived a challenge for his position.

McAughey fought off the challenge of Augher club colleague and was re-elected by 89 votes to 39.

Nelis in his convention speech, however, came out strongly against players being paid. He said it would destroy the GAA.

Mr Nelis, re-elected for a second term, insisted players must be treated well, but most never be paid to play.

"I dread to think of the consequences of the GAA ever becoming a professional sports organisation," he said.

Managers and coaches were treated in exactly the same way as players Tyrone chairman Liam Nelis

"Imagine the impact on the voluntary commitment of so many people at club and county level.

''The impact on the club structure at youth and adult level and the effect on the link between the club and the parish, would be very damaging.

''Even the registration and transfer of players, not only from one club to another but from one county to another, would be a minefield.''

The Edendork clubman pledged that players will be treated with fairness and respect.

Nelis rejected McKenna criticism

"Our players are proud to wear the county jersey and commit themselves to the county cause.

''It saddens me to hear the often savage criticism that they are subjected to on occasions.

''We must never take our players for granted, we must listen to their views and respond to their needs within the Amateur Status Regulations.

''Above all we must treat our players, all our players, with respect.

"It would also help our players if the regulations were implemented to ensure that managers and coaches were treated in exactly the same way as players.

Nelis went on to say that the players are well treated with regards to mileage, kit, meals, and ticket allocation.''

Elected officers:

Chairman: Liam Nelis; Vice-chairman: Pat Darcy; Secretary: Dominic McCaughey; Asst secretary: Frank Campbell; Treasurer: Seamus McDonald; PRO: Brendan Harkin