Donegal defender Neil McGee has admitted that although disappointed by Rory Gallagher's announcement that he was stepping down, the announcement didn't come as a shock to the 2012 All-Ireland winner.

Following Donegal's exit from the All-Ireland SFC, and in the wake of some online abuse from some so-called supporters of the county, Gallagher decided to step down as manager.

The Fermanagh native was just one-year into a four year term having worked with Jim McGuinness when the county won their second ever All-Ireland title five years ago.

McGee revealed to the Donegal Democrat that he had been in touch with Gallagher in the lead up to his decision and added that it was disappointing to see him go.

"I knew from those chats that he was considering his position and what the way forward looked like. He has obviously decided that the best thing to do is to step down," said McGee.

"I respect his decision and Donegal supporters should respect the decision too. I would prefer he had stayed on but he certainly walks away owing the county nothing.

"He rang me on Sunday to tell me that he had made up his mind and I was disappointed to hear it. But I respect his decision. His commitment is second to none and people don't realise the amount of work that he put into the job over the last three years."

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