STEPHEN ROCHFORD has given positive soundings on a possible return to the Donegal backroom staff for 2020.
The former Mayo manager was recruited as head coach by Donegal boss Declan Bonner last winter.
Rochford’s methods were praised publicly by Bonner and by Donegal’s players.
Rochford led Mayo to successive All-Ireland finals as manager in 2016 and 2017, but has ruled out a return to management.
“Coaching is something that I really enjoy,” he said on Off The Ball.
“It was something that I wanted to test out and look to better myself. I still thick there are loads to improve on and loads more learning for myself as a coach.
“I wouldn’t see myself going back into a management role. There are more things i want in my understanding of what is needed in a full set-up.”
Rochford commutes from his home in Mayo to Donegal for training, but the fact that he is ruling out a management return is a strong indicator that he’ll be back on Bonner’s ticket for next year.
He said: “Looking forward to 2020, we’ll st down in next week or 10 review the year and set out what the plans are for next year.
“No decision has been made on that but I wouldn’t rule out a return to the north west.”
Donegal are still mulling over last Saturday’s defeat to Mayo in Castlebar. But having won promotion to Division 1 and retained their Ulster SFC title, Rochford believes Donegal are well poised to stay at the top table.
He said: “It’s still a very young team in Donegal. We have four guys over the age of 26 and Mayo had nine guys over the age of 29.
“There is certainly a lot of potential in Donegal.”
Watch the full interview below …
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