Mayo boss James Horan denies rift within his management team

Mayo manager James Horan has denied suggestions of a rift within his management structure.

Speaking on Midwest Radio, he said claims that Ciaran McDonald and James Burke had walked away from his coaching team after the All-Ireland SFC final defeat to Tyrone are wide of the mark.

He stated: "Those stories were so completely untrue, it's crazy.

"Ciaran McDonald has been in my house several times since the All-Ireland defeat as we plan for next year.

"We did not play to our ability in the final. Nobody was as disappointed as the players and management were.

"But we are going to take ownership of the situation and learn from what happened.

"However the level of untruths in the aftermath of the match was unbelievable, incredible in fact.

"When people behind computers take a breath, they might reflect on it.

"It was bonkers. There was nothing. But I can't control that.

"Nothing happened between Ciaran, James Burke and myself. Ciaran can't sit beside me at matches in Croke Park because guidelines prevent him from doing so.

"I did not comment at the time of the speculation because there was nothing to say.

"How can we stop this kind of speculation going around?

"But when you are in the public eye, it does happen.

"I have met with the county board and we are working on being stronger next year."

Horan confirmed that plans have already been drawn up for next year's National League and championship campaigns with a squad development weekend organised for November involving number of challenge games.

"There is talent out there and we want to see it. We want to make sure we see that talent.

"We have good players involved with Mayo who want to grow and develop.

"We are all excited about the year ahead. We are in it.

"Will we have disagreements throughout the year? We probably will. But that's all designed to be constructive.

"I am 100% disappointed with how the final against Tyrone went and there is a lot, as manager, I have to take from it.

"We will come out in 2022 a better team and hopefully give the fans supporters something positive to shout about," he added.