I’m likely to quit, admits boss Bonner
DONEGAL boss Declan Bonner has said that he is likely to step down as county manager this weekend, possibly ending his inter-county management career for good.
Bonner will meet the Donegal County Board at the end of this week to decide his future and stated: “It’s probably likely that I will step down, but we’ll wait and see what happens.
“I have had discussions with county officials and they want me to stay on alright but there are a couple of things which have to be taken into consideration.”
The offer of a longer contract, guaranteeing two years at least, may persuade Bonner to stay on: “You never know. I’ve spoken to a lot of the players and they want me back, and the County Board has been very understanding.”
Bonner will also discuss the situation with his team mentors and, though he did not close the door completely, indicated his career in management could be over: “I’m the type of fella, once I’ve done it, I’ve done it, that’s basically it. If I do step down I would probably say no if asked into county management in the future.”
In the aftermath of the Ulster Championship first round replay defeat by Armagh, Bonner had indicated that he would probably not take up the available option of another year after two seasons in charge.
That leaning towards departure, based at that stage on a desire to spend more time with his young family, has been exacerbated since by decisions from the game’s authorities.
“As I said after the match to explain why I may step down, the game has gone very professional, especially in terms of management – but at the top there’s still a lot of amateurism!”
McCusker’s French visit is put on hold
DERRY goalkeeping ace Damien McCusker will be available for his county’s Ulster semi-final with Armagh on Sunday after changing his holiday plans.
The Glen man was due to take the car and ferry to France on Saturday for a three week break, but will now fly out on Monday following the vital game at Clones.
The 32-year-old was asked by the Derry camp to consider changing his holiday plans and yesterday managed to come up with alternative arrangements.
“The selectors asked me to see what I could do so we looked at it over the weekend and it was just sorted out today,” he said.
“My family will still go on Saturday and arrive in France on Sunday, and I’ll be there 24 hours later.”
McCusker is enjoying his second wind with the county having been very impressive in the first round replay win over Cavan, but stressed last night he was not sure of his place.
“I don’t know what’s in the mind of the selectors, the team isn’t picked yet and all I know is I’m available for selection.”
However, it would be a major surprise if, having gone to the trouble and expense of changing McCusker’s holiday plans, Derry left him languishing among the replacements.
Joint-manager Adrian McGuckin though insisted last night there were three goalkeepers in contention for the number one jersey.
He confirmed Dungiven man Eoin McCloskey, Derry’s first choice shot-stopper since McCusker retired two years ago, is recovering well from a quad muscle injury.
“Eoin trained on Saturday and was able to practice his kick outs which he hadn’t been able to do for a while,” said McGuckin. “And don’t forget Shane O’Kane, he’s done very well in the games he’s played.”
