MICHAEL NAUGHTON says he won’t look past the 2016 Ladies National Football League having been confirmed as the new Donegal senior ladies team manager on Monday night.
Naughton guided Donegal to the All-Ireland Intermediate title in 2010, winning a Division 2 League crown the same year, and the County Sligo man was returned to the job on Monday at the Ladies Board AGM in the Clanree Hotel.
“It’s good to be back in the hotseat and I’m looking forward to getting into it – there’s a great bunch of girls there,” Naughton told Donegal Sport Hub.
Under Davy McLaughlin, Donegal won their first ever Ulster Senior Championship in July when they defeated Monaghan in Clones. They lost to Armagh in the Division 2 final while it was the Orchard County that defeated them in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
“They did very well in 2015 and it’ll be a big task to retain the Ulster title,” said Naughton.
“We know well that Monaghan will be waiting in the grass, but we won’t look past the National League and our first aim will be to get a good run and win Division 2.”
Sean O’Kane, who was trainer under McLaughlin, is back on board again while Naughton has also confirmed that Hugh Devenney (selector), Noel O’Kane (stats) and Muriel Kelly (kit) will be on the backroom team with another two to be added in the coming weeks.
Naughton described himself as ‘very proud’ to be back as manager.
“Anyone who knows me know that I eat, sleep and drink ladies football,” he said.
“I was never too far away and have been involved at County Board, Ulster and Central Council levels. I have great time for these girls and I’m looking forward to working with them.
“There are a few girls that I would like to get back on the panel and I’m looking forward to bringing in some of the minors on too.”
Termon’s Trevor Alcorn will take charge of the Donegal minors in 2016, Liam Skelly and Paddy McMenamin will oversee the Under-16s, Sabrina White is at the helm of the Under-14 Development squad with Greg Harkin managing the Under-14s.
