Stephen Rochford has resigned as Mayo manager after three years in charge.
Although, Mayo GAA had denied speculation earlier that Stephen Rochford has stepped down as senior football manager, the Crossmolina native left his post today following a meeting of the County Board Executive failed to support his continuation as manager.
In a statement just released by Mayo GAA, Mike Connolly, Cathaoirleach, Coiste Chontae Mhaigh Eo said: "We sincerely thank Stephen Rochford for all the hard work and commitment he has given to Mayo GAA since he was appointed in 2015. Stephen has given an enormous amount of service to Mayo and has given us as supporters many great days on the pitch.
"Since he become senior team manager he has been involved in three great years for Mayo GAA. He has brought Mayo to two All Ireland finals, losing both by the narrowest of margins. We wish him and his family all the best for the future and thank him for all he has done for Mayo GAA."
Rochford who won an All-Ireland senior club title with Corofin before he was appointed to the Mayo job led the county to two All-Ireland finals during his tenure. They lost to Dublin by a point after a replay in 2016 and by the same margin to the same opposition in the 2017 decider.
Mayo’s interests in this year’s championship were ended by Kildare in round 3 of the qualifiers back in June and they were were beaten by Galway in the Connacht Semi-Final.
Recently, former Mayo captain Peter Ford and Shane Conway were appointed by Rochford to his backroom team. Questions over their participation in the Mayo setup is now in doubt too.
In a statement Rochford said: “After a meeting of the Mayo GAA Board’s Executive Committee last night, held to discuss the management team I had assembled to manage Mayo senior men’s team in 2019, the board issued a statement saying they wished to meet the management team and me about our structure and plans.
“It was apparent from what transpired at that meeting that the desired level of support for me as manager was not forthcoming from the Executive Committee. This disappoints me greatly.
“Accordingly, I see no value in meeting with the officers of the board and I am resigning my position as Mayo manager. I thank all those who supported me during the past three years, two of which saw Mayo come so close to winning the All-Ireland title.
“Like all Mayo people, I enjoyed the good days when the team won and suffered the disappointments when the results didn’t go our way. It was a great privilege to manage the Mayo team.
“The 2018 season was a disappointing one for all involved, and for our supporters.
“However, I had every confidence that our new backroom team had the capacity to build on the progress of previous years and drive the team on in 2019.
“In particular, I thank the players, backroom team, spouses and partners, family members, our team sponsors Intersport Elverys, the county board, the clubs and the Mayo supporters worldwide who turned out in huge numbers to support us during the three years and who lent financial backing to the team.
“A special word of thanks to my wife, Laura, and our children, and both our families, for their support and forbearance at all times.
“I wish all who will wear the Mayo jersey in 2019 and beyond every success and I look forward to supporting the footballing fortunes of the county.”
