Jim McGuinness says he will not be part of the Down management team for the forthcoming inter-county season.
The Irish News reported on Tuesday that McGuinness was set to be part of a Down coaching ticket headed by Conor Laverty which would also feature Marty Clarke.
"Over the course of the winter months a number of county teams have been in contact with me with a view to manager’s jobs and coaching roles,” he told the Irish Times.
"I spoke with all of them because I do love coaching and out of respect, really. You are going to listen to what someone has to say. And I told them all the same story - that I am very much focused on soccer at the moment and waiting to see what might happen or not happen at the end of the season."
Jim McGuinness: 'Only GAA team I'm coaching is the local under-12s'
27 August 2021; Derry City coach Jim McGuinness, left, and Bohemians manager Craig Sexton in conversation before the EA Sports U19 Enda McGuill Cup Final at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The 2012 All-Ireland winning manager has not coached at inter-county level since 2014. He added that "The only Gaelic football team I am coaching at the moment is the local under-12s as I have two children involved". He was involved with the Naomh Mairtin club as they won their fist Louth SFC title last year.
Last month, the 48-year-old was part of the Derry City U19s coaching staff as the club won the Enda McGuill Cup final with a penalty shootout victory over Bohs.
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
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