Mickey Moran has admitted that he decided to continue as Leitrim football manager out of "loyalty" to the county.

The Derry man was reappointed for a third year earlier this week along with selector Martin McGowan. However, Moran's long-time assistant John Morrison has opted out to pursue other commitments.

"John has commitments outside of the game and couldn't really commit. I was very hesitant myself. The board approached me for continuity's sake. I rang John, tossed it over with him, and he gave me his blessing," Moran told the Irish Independent.

The former Derry, Sligo and Mayo boss acknowledged that Philly McGuinness' tragic death had made 2010 a difficult year for everyone involved with the Leitrim set-up.

"Everybody was totally knocked back and felt for the family. He was the most beautiful person you could meet and football was his life," Moran added. Tweet

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