Fergal O'Donnell has stepped down from his role as joint Roscommon manager.
Last season, O'Donnell was appointed to the job along with Kevin McStay.
O'Donnell along with two selectors, Stephen Bohan and David Casey, released a statement last night.
The Statement asserts that 'a concerted effort has been made (outside of management and players) to undermine and disparage us'.
It is with much regret and disappointment that myself, Stephen Bohan and David Casey have decided to resign from our roles as joint manager and selectors with the Roscommon senior football team.
Having been asked 12 months ago to contribute to making Roscommon a force again over a three-year term, we were wholeheartedly committed to achieving that goal.
Our decision to depart now is made in the best interests of Roscommon football and with a view to removing the inevitable distraction that would result from a potentially divisive contest for the position of manager between myself and Kevin (McStay).
Recently, a concerted effort has been made (outside of management and players) to undermine and disparage us and it is especially disappointing and damaging that those involved purport to be concerned about the promotion of GAA within the county.
We want to thank the backroom team, the County Board, our generous sponsors, our loyal supporters, Club Rossie and most importantly the players for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to Roscommon’s cause.
Roscommon has a hugely talented group of footballers. Now, as supporters, we share the hope that they will continue to learn, develop and ultimately fulfil their potential. To this end, we wish the team every success in the future.
- Fergal O'Donnell, David Casey, Stephen Bohan.
Roscommon GAA have also released a statement.
Yesterday evening Tuesday, Roscommon GAA County Board Chairperson Seamus Sweeney and County Board Secretary Brian Carroll met with the joint managers of the Roscommon Senior Football team Fergal O Donnell and Kevin McStay to review 2016.
During the meeting Fergal O Donnell announced his intention to resign from his position as joint manager of the Senior Football team along with team selectors David Casey and Stephen Bohan with immediate effect.
Roscommon GAA would like to take this opportunity to thank Fergal O Donnell for his long and dedicated service to Roscommon GAA and also thanks to David Casey and Stephen Bohan who have been great servants of the GAA in Roscommon. We wish themselves and their families the very best for the future.
Roscommon GAA Management Committee will meet tonight to discuss the senior team management for 2017.
After an excellent start to the League - which saw them win games against Kerry, Cork, Down and Donegal - Roscommon were hammered by Kerry in the League semi-final.
Their Championship got off to a rocky beginning. The Connacht side only beat New York by a point at Gaelic Park. Performances would improve with wins against Leitrim and Sligo but they would go on to lose the Connacht final to Galway following a replay.
Six days after the replay, they were out of the Championship after a disappointing showing against Clare in round four of the qualifiers.
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
