FORMER MAYO PLAYER Michael Moyles believes that his former Crossmolina clubmate Stephen Rochford is a “great fit” for the county’s senior football management post.
Moyles would also like to see coach Donie Buckley retained in his position, as the Kerry native is linked with the vacant management post in Tipperary.
Premier County sources have indicated that Buckley, who worked with Jack O’Connor in Kerry prior to linking up with James Horan in Mayo, is on their radar as they seek a successor to Peter Creedon.
It is understood that if Tipp get their man, he would be joined by Creedon’s former backroom team members Michael McGeehin (coach), Michael O’Loughlin and Tommy Toomey, who was in charge of the U21 team that contested the All-Ireland final against Tyrone in May.
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Donie Buckley has emerged as a contender for the Tipperary job. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
Buckley may fancy stepping up to senior intercounty management in his own right after coaching spells with Limerick, Kerry and Mayo, latterly alongside joint-bosses Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly this year.
Speculation has centred on Buckley’s position after Holmes and Connelly were ousted by player power recently but Moyles believes the Castleisland native would work well alongside Rochford, the hot favourite for the Mayo job.
Moyles, a 2001 All-Ireland senior club medallist with Crossmolina alongside Rochford, said: “I think at the moment, the way the game is going, players are looking for a young, charismatic, energetic manager, with his finger on the pulse of the modern game.
“People are always looking for that edge and Stephen is somebody that’s played recently, understands the game and has an indepth knowledge of it.
“Tactically he can change it up a bit and while sometimes managers can try to outdo each other and take away from the strengths of the team, Stephen is a very smart individual.
“The biggest thing with high-profile teams is winning over the players, being prepared and having everything ready.”
Michael Moyles is backing Stephen Rochford's credentials. Tom Honan / INPHO
Tom Honan / INPHO / INPHO
On Sunday, Rochford is hoping to mastermind a third successive Galway SFC title for the reigning All-Ireland champions Corofin.
And Moyles said: “Reading statements from Corofin, they knew the Slaughtneil lads inside out (in the All-Ireland club final) and that shows the level of commitment and organisation that he brings to the fold.
“But for the likes of Mayo, if they can keep Donie Buckley, who’s one of the best trainers, and bring in a good manager with great organisation, it would be a great fit.
“It’s interesting to see what’s going to happen over the next couple of weeks.
“I was favourite with the bookies for the Sligo job a couple of years ago but I never even got a call.
“It’s interesting to see where the bookies get their info from.”
Former teammate reckons Stephen Rochford would be a 'great fit' as Mayo boss
FORMER MAYO PLAYER Michael Moyles believes that his former Crossmolina clubmate Stephen Rochford is a “great fit” for the county’s senior football management post.
Moyles would also like to see coach Donie Buckley retained in his position, as the Kerry native is linked with the vacant management post in Tipperary.
Premier County sources have indicated that Buckley, who worked with Jack O’Connor in Kerry prior to linking up with James Horan in Mayo, is on their radar as they seek a successor to Peter Creedon.
It is understood that if Tipp get their man, he would be joined by Creedon’s former backroom team members Michael McGeehin (coach), Michael O’Loughlin and Tommy Toomey, who was in charge of the U21 team that contested the All-Ireland final against Tyrone in May.
Buckley may fancy stepping up to senior intercounty management in his own right after coaching spells with Limerick, Kerry and Mayo, latterly alongside joint-bosses Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly this year.
Speculation has centred on Buckley’s position after Holmes and Connelly were ousted by player power recently but Moyles believes the Castleisland native would work well alongside Rochford, the hot favourite for the Mayo job.
Moyles, a 2001 All-Ireland senior club medallist with Crossmolina alongside Rochford, said: “I think at the moment, the way the game is going, players are looking for a young, charismatic, energetic manager, with his finger on the pulse of the modern game.
“Tactically he can change it up a bit and while sometimes managers can try to outdo each other and take away from the strengths of the team, Stephen is a very smart individual.
“The biggest thing with high-profile teams is winning over the players, being prepared and having everything ready.”
On Sunday, Rochford is hoping to mastermind a third successive Galway SFC title for the reigning All-Ireland champions Corofin.
And Moyles said: “Reading statements from Corofin, they knew the Slaughtneil lads inside out (in the All-Ireland club final) and that shows the level of commitment and organisation that he brings to the fold.
“It’s interesting to see what’s going to happen over the next couple of weeks.
“I was favourite with the bookies for the Sligo job a couple of years ago but I never even got a call.
“It’s interesting to see where the bookies get their info from.”
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Crossmolina GAA Gaelic Football Michael Moyles Stephen Rochford Corofin Mayo The Rochford Files