RICHARD THORNTON is eagerly looking forward to his new role as coach with the Donegal senior footballers.
The Coalisland man was ratified on Monday evening by the Donegal county board and will join Rory Gallagher’s backroom team.
“This is a new challenge for me and an opportunity to work at the top level with a talented squad of players," said Thornton, a former joint Tyrone vocational schools manager alongside current Derry coach and number two, Brian McGuckin.
Richard is a teacher at St.Joseph’s Coalisland. He won an All-Ireland U21 winner with the Red Hand County and also collected Ulster and Division One National league medals.
After being involved in management with his own club he worked alongside Johnny McBride at Loup this season as they made it through to the Derry Championship final only to lose out to Slaughtneil and he admits that the lure of trying to prove himself at the top level was too much to turn down.
“Rory had mentioned it to me a while back but I said that I wouldn’t make a decision until Loup’s involvement in the championship was over,” added Richard, who replaces Westmeath’s Jack Cooney who completed two seasons in post.
“We then talked again and I decided that it was the right move for me at this moment in time. After I quit playing football I got involved in the coaching side of things and I really enjoy it.
“It was a natural progression to try and prove myself at the highest level and I will get that chance with Donegal playing in Division One of the National league.
“It’s where the cream play their football and I have to say that I’m excited by the challenge. You always want to push yourself to the limit and learn new things and I’m looking forward to it and aim to give it my best.”
