Des Newton has resigned as Roscommon football manager after only one season.

The Dublin-based former county star, who won an All-Ireland U21 medal in 1978 and two Connacht SFC titles, had only been in charge since last November when he succeeded Fergal O'Donnell in the role. His resignation comes ahead of this weekend's Roscommon SFC and IFC quarter-finals.

Despite the county's success at underage level in recent years, the Rossies endured a disappointing season under Newton. They failed to win promotion from Division 3 of the Allianz League and then suffered a disastrous 14-point defeat to Galway in the first round of the Connacht SFC.

They atoned for that performance with a brilliant comeback All-Ireland qualifier victory over Armagh, only to lose to Tyrone by 11 points in the next round.

The county board will meet next week to discuss the process of appointing a new manager with former star forward Nigel Dineen - who led the Roscommon U21s to an All-Ireland final appearance in May - the early favourite to replace Newton.

A statement from the Roscommon county board read: "The board would like to acknowledge the contribution of Des and his management Team and wish them well in the future. The board will meet next week to discuss the process of appointing his successor." Tweet

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