After weeks of speculation, the Mayo county board have finally announced this evening that James Horan is set to once again take charge of the county's senior footballers.
Resuming a position he left in 2014 after Mayo's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry, Horan had until now been working as a GAA pundit for Sky Sports.
After initial reports stated that Horan was set to distance himself from the role amid speculation that he was the man to replace Stephen Rochford, it became clear that Horan's name had been thrown into the hat, meaning that the former Mayo manager joined Mike Solan in a two-horse race.
However, little under a week ago it was confirmed that Solan would not be in the running for the position any longer, all but leaving the job for Horan to fill.
At tonight's Co Board meeting James Horan was ratified for a 4 year term as manger of the Mayo Senior Football team, along with his management team of Daniel Forde (@ballycgaa), Martin Barrett (@KiltaneGAA), & James Burke (@ArdnareeSarsGaa). #mayogaa #gaa
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) October 4, 2018
A statement released by James Horan said: "I am delighted to be involved with Mayo and am really looking forward to getting on the field with the players. All clubs (Senior/Intermediate/Junior) within Mayo will be contacted immediately seeking suggestions of players that may have the potential Technical/Tactical/Physical/Mental attributes required for the Intercounty game.
"There has been a coaching movement in Mayo over the last number of years that has been staggering in its progression. In conjunction with Clubs & Divisional Boards we have seen huge advances with clubs across the county driving very high standards.
"That is something I want to be involved with, and help ensure that progress continues. It is busy but very exciting times in Mayo GAA & I cannot wait to get started."
The two-time All-Star Horan will be hopeful they can go one better during his latest tenure in charge.
