McStay rules out future bid for Mayo GAA manager's role

FORMER Roscommon manager Kevin McStay has ruled out a future bid to become manager of the Mayo senior football squad.

Speaking at the launch of his book, The Pressure Game, at the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival at An Sportlann, Castlebar, last night, the Ballina man, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with his native county, explained his memoir signalled the end of his career in football management.

"When I finished up with Roscommon, I was physically exhausted. I had a number of health issues as well. I knew it was time to make a clean break and the time was right to write my book."

He confirmed he will not be applying for the Mayo management position if the opportunity arises in the future.

Having missed out for the post in 1995 and 2015, he said he was particularly disappointed by the circumstances in which he lost out four years ago.

"I knew the team was so close in 2015 after James Horan did an unbelievable job.

"I was the only candidate but I was not appointed. I believe it was down to a combination of bad luck and poor communications rather than what the conspiracy theorists may have been saying.

"But it was the lowest point of my sporting career. It was a pity for myself and my family to miss out.  I have moved on from all that, however."

McStay said he did not see Mayo being leading challengers for National League or All-Ireland SFC glory in 2020 as team rebuilding is necessary.

"I think James Horan has a feel of what needs to be done. The reality is that Mayo were shown to be well off the pace when it mattered against Dublin in this year's All-Ireland semi-final. That reality has to be grasped.

"New players are needed in the squad and they will find standards very high within the camp.

"The rebuilding process could take two or three years and patience will be required by supporters. But we are not good when it comes to patience in Mayo," he added.

Kevin McStay's book is on sale at all leading book outlets throughout Mayo  and it is a must for all sports fans.