The Donegal county board have confirmed the news that Jim McGuinness has taken the decision to step down as manager of the Donegal senior football team.
The announcement was made late on Friday night with a statement from the county board expressing their thanks for the 'massive contribution' which McGuinness has made to football in Donegal.
McGuinness took up the post in July 2010 having previously guided the u21's to All Ireland glory. His appointment was the catalyst for an extended period of success with three Ulster titles in the space of four years being added to by the 2012 All Ireland title.
Given his unquestionable influence on Donegal over the past number of years, the decision is sure to come as a disappointment to many.
The legacy of Jim McGuinness isn't just the wonderful achievements of his team - it's that he had #Donegal people feel on top of the world
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) October 4, 2014
The full statement from the county board reads:
CLG Dhún na nGall wish to announce that Jim McGuinness has formally stepped down from his position as Senior Football Team Manager with immediate effect.
CLG Dhún na nGall wish to thank Jim for his massive contribution during his tenure over the last five years, as Under 21 and Senior Football Team Manager. During this term, he has brought unprecedented success to our county and has made every Donegal person across the globe very proud of their county and their players.
During his tenure he has guided our Under 21 footballers to an All-Ireland final, having won the county’s first U21 provincial title since 1995. As senior team manager, he guided the county to four provincial finals, winning three of them, and guided the county team to a record two All-Ireland final appearances in the space of three years, winning a historic second All Ireland for the county in 2012.
We wish Jim and Yvonne and their family every success in the future.
