Mayo footballers are without a manager after Stephen Rochford handed in his resignation.

Having taken over at the end of 2015 following a player revolt against Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly, Rochford led the county to successive All-Ireland finals where they narrowly lost out to Dublin. This year, beset by injuries, there was a dip in form with relegation in the league avoided in the last round, a Connacht loss to Galway and then an early exit in the qualifiers in Newbridge.

With members of his backroom team standing down Rochford was set to bring in Peter Ford and Shane Conway on board as part of his management team but following a meeting with his county board, he decided he would not continue in the role for 2019.

Rochford issued a statement this evening outlining what he described as a lack of support from the county executive:

"After a meeting of the Mayo GAA Board's Executive Committee last night, held to discuss the management team I had assembled to manage Mayo senior men's team in 2019, the board issued a statement saying they wished to meet the management team and me about our structure and plans.

"It was apparent from what transpired at that meeting that the desired level of support for me as manager was not forthcoming from the Executive Committee.

"This disappoints me greatly. Accordingly, I see no value in meeting with the officers of the board and I am resigning my position as Mayo manager.

"I thank all those who supporters me during the past three years, two of which saw Mayo come so close to winning the All-Ireland title.

"Like all Mayo people, I enjoyed the good days when the team won and suffered the disappointments when the results didn't go our way. It was a great privilege to manage the Mayo team.

"The 2018 season was a disappointing one for all involved, and for our supporters. However, I had every confidence that our new backroom team had the capacity to build on the progress of previous years and drive the team on in 2019.

"In particular, I thank the players, backroom team, spouses and partners, family members, our team sponsors Intersport  Elverys, the county board, the clubs and the Mayo supporters worldwide who turned out in huge numbers to support us during the three years and who lent financial backing to the team.

"A special word of thanks to my wife, Laura, and our children, and both our families, for their support and forbearance at all times.

"I wish all who will wear the Mayo jersey in 2019 and beyond every success and I look forward to supporting the footballing fortunes of the county."

Mayo county board have issued a statement thanking Rochford: "We sincerely thank Stephen Rochford for all the hard work and commitment he has given to Mayo GAA since he was appointed in 2015. Stephen has given an enormous amount of service to Mayo and has given us as supporters many great days on the pitch.

"Since he became senior team manager he has been involved in three great years for Mayo GAA. He has brought Mayo to two All Ireland finals, losing both by the narrowest of margins. We wish him and his family all the best for the future and thank him for all he has done for Mayo GAA."

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