Award winning Sports Journalist Roy Curtis has aimed a final parting shot at Jim McGuinness, following his decision on Friday night to step down after four-years at the helm.
However, Sunday World Sports Editor Curtis has been critical of McGuinness throughout his tenure and yesterday claimed he can never be considered as a GAA great.
McGuinness completely transformed Donegal’s fortunes when he took over in 2010, and became the most successful manager in Donegal GAA history, winning three Ulster titles and one All-Ireland final.
He stepped down after the defeat to Kerry a fortnight ago in the All-Ireland final, and won 20 out of his 24 championship matches in charge of Donegal, but according to Curtis he can’t be considered as a GAA great.
Curtis wrote, “His achievements while substantial, do not place him among the top ten in the pantheon of managerial giants.
“Brian Cody has won TEN All-Ireland’s, McGuinnes one, yet the latter is more often presented as the sort of figure to whom temples are constructed.
“McGuinness was a fine coach, a contrary control-freak, a man who always seemed to this observer – just a little to fond of the image others cultivated for him.
“McGuinness was a charismatic leader who found a way to the Promised Land, who made his people fulfilled.
“But an all-time great, no, not when he cannot even be regarded as the outstanding leader of his generation.
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