Nigel Dineen has pulled out of the race for the Roscommon senior football manager's post due to "strong reservations about the integrity of the selection and recruitment process".
Former Rossies player Dineen looked set to challenge Kevin McStay for the job, having cut his cloth with the U21s, leading them to All-Ireland final appearances against Dublin in 2012 and 2014.
Howver, the Castlerea man is no longer in contention to take the reins after releasing a withering statement to confirm his withdrawal.
"I wish to withdraw my nomination for the position of the Roscommon senior football manager, a position I applied for with the best intentions, highest ambitions and in the utmost good faith," Dineen said.
"While I have gathered what I consider to be one of the best management teams that the county has ever seen, which includes four former Co Roscommon players of the highest calibre, who know what it’s like to wear the jersey and all share the same passion for Roscommon football as I do, I do not consider that this is the appropriate time to proceed on this journey.
"I would have no issue whatsoever with taking on any manager in the country with my expert management team, in a fair, open and transparent recruitment process
"I have strong reservations about the integrity of the selection and recruitment process and I have raised these concerns directly with the County Board who refused to address them.
"I would have no issue whatsoever with taking on any manager in the country with my expert management team, in a fair, open and transparent recruitment process, but if the playing field is not level during the process itself what hope is there for a fair/successful outcome.
"I understand that the County Board's hands may be tied, in some respects, with regard to the legacy of the previous management structure. This is what it is.
"It appears that similar influences are at play behind the scenes in Roscommon county football, which were clearly prevalent at the time of the demise of the previous O’Donnell/McStay joint management structure.
"This is unfortunate and extremely damaging. However, what is important now is that a manager be put in place as expeditiously as possible in the best interests of Roscommon football.
"I would like to wish the County Board, the incumbent management team and very especially the players every good wish and success in the coming season."
McStay, who was in joint control with Fergal O'Donnell [above] last season, is now the only candidate left for the position.
O'Donnell resigned along with selectors David Casey and Stephen Bohan last month after claimging "concerted effort has been made [outside of management and players] to undermine and disparage us".
McStay, who was in joint control with Fergal O'Donnell last season, is now the only candidate left for the position.
O'Donnell resigned along with selectors David Casey and Stephen Bohan last month after claimging "concerted effort has been made [outside of management and players] to undermine and disparage us".
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