James Horan admits he was tempted to give Mayo footballers another go

He'd be lying if he said he wasn't tempted.

James Horan did everything but win an All-Ireland in his four years with the Mayo footballers and when his successors were ousted this autumn he did contemplate having another run at Sam Maguire. Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes resigned earlier this month after the players carried a vote of no-confidence in the duo and in today's Irish Daily Star Horan admits he was tempted. Briefly tempted.

"When the vacancy came up, I thought about it, but decided very quickly that I wouldn't be letting my name go forward," he said. "I was very privileged to hold the position for four years and work with a brilliant bunch of players. I thoroughly enjoyed that honour and that position. "But I'm working with different teams in different codes, enjoying learning more about coaching and have a bit of catching up to do in everyday life too. I did media work this year and enjoyed that. I'm enjoying learning stuff about our games, and about different games."

With Horan broadening his horizons Stephen Rochford remains firm favourite to lead the five-in-a-row Connacht champions next year. The Mayo native is currently managing All-Ireland club champions Corofin, whose defence stayed on course yesterday with a comprehensive win over Leitrim champions Mohill.