Jim McGuinness has outlined the conditions which he says he needs to be put in place if he is to continue as Donegal GAA manager.
Jim McGuinness is concerned about the fall-out between senior players during the club championship.
The Glenties man met with three members of the officer board last Saturday who in turn put forward his case when the Donegal County Board met last night.
Top of the list is the issue over the hosting of championship games in the run up to the All-Ireland senior championships.
The board took on McGuinness’ concerns which they have agreed to discuss in much more detail.
A statement from the board issued this morning said “It was the unanimous view of Coiste Bainistiochta CLG Dhun na nGall at their meeting on Monday August 26th that Jim McGuinness would remain as senior football team manager for 2014. Further discussions will take place in due course.”
McGuinness was not at the meeting as he was in Glasgow with Celtic where he works from Monday through until Thursday.
However a source revealed that the board understands Jim’s concerns – especially around the issue of senior players
“Jim’s main concern is the holding of the club championship in the run-up to the All-Ireland championship.
“You have a situation now where senior players are competing against eachother during club games and they are full-blooded affairs.
“It is difficult to ask players then to be best friends and sit beside eachother the following Tuesday at senior county training.
“Other counties cannot understand why we are playing senior championship with so many senior players involved in the run-up to the All-Ireland,” said the source.
The case of both Karl Lacey and Neil Gallagher, who both picked up injuries in club games, were cited by the source.
But the source added “We have to get the clubs to buy into the system. Perhaps we can play a couple of rounds and then park the championship until such time as the county exits the All-Ireland.
“That is an option but we will have to examine the overall situation.”
Although McGuinness has yet to commit himself to the final year of his four year contract, it is understood that if he receives the assurances he is seeking he will commit.
There is no deadline for him to commit.
He did meet with his panel last Saturday morning where he received their unanimous backing if he decides to stay on for the final year of his contract.
“The ball is in Jim’s court. He has received the full backing of the county board and it is his decision.
“Thankfully there is no pressure on him to make a decision quickly. We still have a lot to discuss but the clubs must also be part of this process,” said the source.