Paul Coggins has stepped down as manager of the London senior footballers.

The Roscommon man was at the Exiles helm for five seasons, during which time he led them to some of their greatest-ever successes.

London took Mayo to extra time in the Connacht senior football championship during Coggins' first summer in charge and it was a sign of things to come as he would lead them to three championship victories in total.

The highlight came in 2013 when the Exiles reached their first-ever Connacht SFC final (beating Leitrim and Sligo along the way) and went on to face Cavan in the fourth round of the Qualifiers at Croke Park.

Prior to Coggins' tenure, London had just one championship win to their name in four decades. But he brought the professionalism of their preparations to a whole new level and forged them into a genuine force. He will be remembered as one of London's best-ever managers.

London County Board released the following statement confirming the news:

Coiste Contae Londain wishes to announce that Paul Coggins has stepped down as Manager of the London Senior Football team

London GAA would like to thank Paul Coggins for his 5 years of service. During his tenure Paul has led London Football through its most successful period.

The summer of 2013 will live long in the memory of London Gaels with London reaching the Connacht Final and playing Cavan in Croke Park.

From day one Paul brought a new level of professionalism to the Senior Football team and continuously strived to make improvements both on and off the field. Paul was served by a number of selectors, coaches and back room team during his tenure, London GAA would like to thank each individual for their work and effort during their time with the team.

As a passionate and proud London Gael who never forgot his Roscommon roots Paul's enthusiasm and pride for the London jerseys was a trait all London teams under his watch. His desire and hunger for London to be successful is a true testament to his pride for the County and the tag of Exile is one he embraced and drove his motivation.

A Statement from Paul Coggins was read to the London County Committee and read as follows:

"After a lot of thought and having met with the main officers it is with regret and a heavy heart I have decided not to put my name forward for the coming season for the post of London County Senior Football Manager.

I would like to thank so many people individually but at this time I firstly want to thank the London County Committee and London clubs for giving me the huge honour for the past five years of being the County Manager and it always was a honour to be given the job.

I have enjoyed it hugely. We gave it everything we had and I am sure that will continue in the future.

I urge the County Committee to continue working to make our County teams as well prepared as possible as we are a competitive county and the work put in to achieve that needs to continue with the County Committee playing a key role in helping to make that happen.

I sincerely wish to thank all the clubs in London who have backed me one hundred per cent since I became manager and while there were many walls put up in front of us with the great support I received from the clubs we kept knocking them down and will continue to do so I'm sure.

Finally a huge thanks to my wife Ann who has backed me over the past five years and longer, she has been the main reason I was able to do what I love doing."

At the County Committee meeting Chairperson Noel O'Sullivan lead the tributes to Paul Coggins thanking him for all his hard work during his tenure as well as the great days experienced by London GAA, particularly the 1st round Championship win over Sligo and the Connacht Final against Mayo in 2013.

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