Mickey Harte has stepped as Derry football manager after just one year in charge.

Appointed for a three-year term last autumn, the three-time Tyrone All-Ireland SFC winning manager has decided not to remain in his role after a desperately disappointing championship campaign culminated in an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final defeat to Kerry eight days ago.

The Oak Leafers had been installed as one of the favourites to lift the Sam Maguire after beating All-Ireland champions Dublin in the Allianz League final, but their season petered out after a disastrous loss to Donegal in the first round of the Ulster SFC. Harte's future with the Oak Leafers had been the subject of much speculation since then and he has now decided to leave.

"I would like to thank the players for the huge commitment they gave to the Derry jersey during the 2024 season," he said in a statement.

"I would also like to thank Gavin [Devlin, coach] and the entire backroom team for their hard work, dedication and expertise.

"Thanks too for the support of the County Board and all those generous sponsors of the GAA in Derry. Finally, I wish the players every success in the years ahead."

Derry GAA chairman John Keenan added: "We sincerely thank Mickey, Gavin and their entire backroom team for their hard work and dedication throughout the 2024 season. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours."

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