I don't think there are many Donegal supporters who want the current management team to continue,none that I know of anyway,
it's high time we had a change of management and I'm wondering who others think would be the best candidate?
the best man for the job in my opinion is currently employed in China and I can't see him coming back anytime soon,
James Horan and Pete McGrath have been mentioned, I like Horan myself, I think he would be great and bring a fresh perspective to the whole county setup.
with a new management team in place it will freshen the whole thing up and build confidence, if the current shambles is let continue Donegal will continue to regress in my opinion.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2739 - 26/07/2017 20:11:38    2024114

Like u said tirc the obvious choice is in China but if rumours are correct that league may not be around for too much longer. Even so I am not expecting Jim back managing DL anytime soon even though I would say he would like the look of the squad available esp if Leo, Odhran, Brick, A Thompson and Declan Walsh could be coaxed back.

Like the majority of supporters I am in total agreement that change is definitely needed with little or no appetite for the current regime to remain among the majority of supporters who attend most matches when they can. Anytime I hear James Horan speak about Donegal it is clear he has great respect and likeness for the county. I think he would be a good choice but I just cannot see it myself. Not only for logistical reasons but I would say he would find it too difficult to manage against Mayo and might probably return to that job in the near future. I thought Dessie Farrell done a very good job with the Dublin U-21's this year. He has a family connection to the county and would be an exciting choice but again I cannot see it as he would be the No 1 choice in the capital if and when Jim Gavin steps away. I think Mickey Moran has a proven track record and had reasonable success with Donegal when he was in charge previously. He has transformed Slaughtneil into the best club side in Ulster. Again a longshot but he could work with maybe Declan Bonner part of the backroom team. Similar sentiments can be applied to Pete McGrath who done a great job in Fermanagh. Again he has a proven track record and could maybe be someone to come in and work alongside Bonner. The fav for the job if it comes available would be Declan Bonner but I would have serious doubts about him like most other supporters. He made a mess of the 2015 minor campaign with a side that really should have won Ulster. The lack of tactical nous at its most basic level was clear for all to see with the kickout strategy when Donegal repeatedly kicked the ball to Conor Glass who won the game literally on his own. The 2016 U-21 campaign was another horror show with questionable team selection and a complete discipline implosion on and off the pitch. Furthermore we have seen he can be tactically rigid over depending on one particular style of play when more is required especially outside of the province. In saying that I do think he could have something to offer as part of a managerial backroom team if he fancied it. Those are just a few initial thoughts but despite change needed its not easy to come up with replacements. What I do think is that the job would be very appealing to many managers as there is a very good squad there which would be all the stronger if some of the players who are exiled or have exiled themselves made themselves available again.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 26/07/2017 21:11:22    2024143

Kirkintilloch (Donegal) - Posts: 43 - 26/07/2017 21:18:00    2024150

Has James horan not made some massive tactical mistakes as manager with Mayo as well. Jim Gavin in 2014 v Donegal. Jack o Connor with Kerry u21s the last few years. All managers have made many mistakes but it's the ones who don't learn from their mistakes and keep making them that you want to avoid. Unfortunately rory doesn't seem to be a manager who learns from his mistakes.

ryan (Donegal) - Posts: 724 - 26/07/2017 23:08:51    2024239

What would people think of Paul McGonagle ?
Knows his stuff about County football and was part of Jim's assistance team before RG got appointed .

Not saying he is interested but just a thought.

InishowenMan (Donegal) - Posts: 216 - 26/07/2017 23:29:07    2024248

Donegal page lads.

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 27/07/2017 00:04:41    2024255

I think this should be on the main pages here, if it was us looking for a manager it would be headline news, and Donegal in fairness is a big player. I think its one of the few attractive positions in gaelic football, as they have some very talented footballers, they have just lost their way. They need a new approach and a man who can inspire!

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8586 - 27/07/2017 02:42:25    2024265

For a football v hurling analogy I would say Donegal and Dublin are in a similar position at the moment although RG is still in the job.
Hugely important for Donegal if they do end up replacing RG to get the right person.Dublin hurlers enjoyed some great days under Anthony Daly as did Donegal under JMcG. When Daly left and Cunningham too over they went into freefall with players going or being dropped and is somewhat similar situation with Donegal now.
Get the wrong replacement and you're going nowhere for another few years.

catch22 (USA) - Posts: 2148 - 27/07/2017 08:38:42    2024287

This is front page forum if/when Rory leaves. At the moment he is our manager. While I feel its ok to discuss this on the Donegal page until it becomes a reality then I dont feel its worthy of country wide discussion.

dstuction (Donegal) - Posts: 1209 - 27/07/2017 09:36:07    2024306

Isn't this Mickey Harte's last year in Tyrone? The county board don't want to extend his term further it seems. There's obviously plenty of fire in the man still. Can you imagine? Lol!

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9116 - 27/07/2017 10:04:54    2024316

Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1873 - 27/07/2017 11:34:33    2024367

I wished for martin McHugh to manage donegal for years. Strong track record in his early management ulster title with cavan i beleive he won sigerson a couple of times also but in recent years i did not see much success. What do the rest of you think ?

James horan would be my number one choice

ulsterrules (Donegal) - Posts: 259 - 27/07/2017 11:59:20    2024384

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 27/07/2017 12:34:51    2024408

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 27/07/2017 12:51:29    2024418

One name I have not seen mentioned is Michael Naughton the current manager of the Donegal ladies team. I don't know much of his pedigree but he certainly knows how to coach a team. They are a fantastic side to watch.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 27/07/2017 13:42:06    2024456

gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1056 - 27/07/2017 14:13:30    2024473

hopefully there will be a change, don't want to discuss the current management any further, i think enough has been said, Declan Bonner would appear to be the obvious choice within the county, outside of that I think Malachy O'Rourke would be a good shout, has done really well with limited resources in monaghan as well as delivering the anglo celt twice.

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 912 - 27/07/2017 14:55:45    2024495

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 27/07/2017 15:39:00    2024523

Surely it is time for Martin McHugh to get the job - why has he not got it before this can you tell me?

Also, I heard the county board have backed Gallagher - is a players heave in prospect?

foxes_denn (Cavan) - Posts: 129 - 27/07/2017 16:16:49    2024539

.... would you's ever close up. Here's something to cheer you's all up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1M0eoViFBk

Donegal_D (Donegal) - Posts: 61 - 27/07/2017 21:25:44    2024653