Kevin Cassidy has been removed from the Donegal panel by manager Jim McGuinness.

The shock move came after a meeting between the two time All Star and McGuinness today, where the subject of the new book 'This is our Year' was discussed.

In the book Cassidy was critical of the management team of JJ Doherty last year and also spoke about some of the inner workings of this year's panel.

Earlier, Cassidy stood over critical remarks he made about former Donegal manager John Joe Doherty.

The All-Star defender went against the wishes of current Donegal boss Jim McGuinness by attending the launch of 'This is Your Year' by Fermanagh journalist Declan Bogue last weekend in Gweedore, at which he said: "It was just an honest account.

"I didn't set out to hurt anyone with this book. I have great respect for the lads. I spoke to John Joe and Tony (Boyle, former selector).

"Maybe they felt aggrieved at something that appeared in the press, but we discussed it. It's just an honest account of where I felt Donegal football was and the great strides to get us to where we are now.

"There has been a lot of things in the papers in the past few days. But before anyone judges it, I'd like them to read the book and see that I am not trying to get at anyone, nor am I trying to disrespect them."

In the book, Cassidy criticises the alleged lack of preparation and professional approach under Doherty, who was replaced as manager by fellow 1992 All-Ireland winner McGuinness at the end of a turbulent 2010. Tweet

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