Mayo manager Stephen Rochford is adamant that he is not swayed by what the media says about him or his team.

Rochford has come in for some criticism during his time in charge of the Westerners, most memorably in the 2016 All-Ireland SFC final replay when goalkeeper David Clarke was dropped for Rob Hennelly.

The move backfired as Hennelly was black carded having had a nightmare in the goals and replaced by Clarke who has retained the position ever since.

However, the Crossmolina native insists that his family's support is all that he cares about as he begins a new year in charge of the Connacht side.

"I would have to say that in all my close family and wider family circles, they would be extremely supportive of my decision to retain my place," Rochford told the Western People.

He added: "Certainly, they would be encouraging me to stay there. At certain times, there is a sense there that criticism is a bit harsh, in their eyes. To be perfectly honest, I don't read the papers; I don't look to seek approval from papers or from radios or from television pundits.

"If that was the case, you would never satisfy all the expert views that are out there."

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