STEPHEN ROCHFORD will NOT be leaving his position as head coach of the Donegal senior footballers to become Galway’s new manager.
Rochford was widely tipped to be named as successor to Kevin Walsh in Galway and it was reported that he was on the verge of vacating his role with Donegal after just a year.
Walsh stepped down as Galway manager after five years in the job and Rochford’s name has been heavily linked to the position lately.
Media reports in the west over the last 24 hours hinted that Rochford’s appointment was imminent, but it has been confirmed to Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub that the Ballinrobe native will again be a part of Declan Bonner’s coaching ticket in 2020.
Rochford has reiterated his commitment to Bonner amid heavy speculation in recent days.
Rochford, who guided Mayo to All-Ireland finals in 2016 and 2017, took Galway club Corofin to an All-Ireland title and would have ticked a lot of boxes for the Tribesmen.
Last October, Rochford joined Bonner’s back room team as head coach and his input was widely praised this year as Donegal won promotion to Division 1 and retained their Ulster title.
Players regularly name checked Rochford’s work in interviews and it was clear that the Mayo man had a big influence.
Earlier this month, Bonner was ratified for another term with his back room team also given the green light to continue.
Just last month, Rochford indicated that he was not too keen on returning to management.
Speaking on Off The Ball, Rochford said: “I wouldn’t see myself going back into a management role. There are more things I want in my understanding of what is needed in a full set-up.”
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