Brian McIver returns to Derry GAA… as Director of Football

Six weeks without football is enough for Brian McIver.

Having stepped down in July after three years as Derry manager, Brian McIver is already back in the fold in what is a new position for the county. The Ballinderry club man, who guided the Oak Leafers to a Division Two league title followed by a Division One final, returns to the set-up after not even two months apart to take up the role of Director of Football. McIver resigned from the senior job after Derry's exit in round three of the qualifiers to Galway this summer, but it seems his work is only starting.

His new position, Director of Football, will be to oversee the development of players and coaches and to help develop a consistent approach to preparations and performances across all age levels.

When he was announced as county manager back in the tail end of 2012, McIver came in and spoke about a long term plan. He constantly talked about developing the youth in the county and that change wasn't going to happen overnight. He championed that philosophy throughout his tenure in the hotseat and, now, he will have a chance to have an even more direct impact in the pathways for young Derry footballers.

"I want to thank Derry GAA for giving me this opportunity," the 2002 All-Ireland club-winning manager said. "This is very much a player-focused effort.

"It is about the development of players for the long-term and about giving players the opportunity to be the best that they can be for their clubs and their county. This can be done by providing the best possible facilities, coaches and structures to the players and their parents.

"With hard work and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we can continue to build on the good work being done right across the county."

The process to appoint a successor to Brian McIver as Derry senior football manager is currently ongoing.