Andrews resigns as Cavan manager

Val Andrews has resigned as manager of the Cavan senior football team with immediate effect, The Anglo-Celt can reveal. Andrews stepped down this morning and, the Celt understands, moves are already afoot to appoint a new management team. County board chairman Tom Reilly paid tribute to Andrews for his contribution over the past 18 months and for "his courageous decision to step aside for the good of Cavan football". Reilly denied that the players took a vote on the manager at their meeting in Virginia on Tuesday night. All parties were keen to avoid a drawn out situation, said Reilly. "We have to be fair to Val, if he had prolonged this and took a stand, it would have made it very difficult for the board to take sides," he said. Reilly thanked Andrews for making what he termed "a brave decision for the good of Cavan football and not for any individuals". It had been reported that the players voted 33-3 in favour of asking Andrews to step down as manager. However, a source has stated that only 26 players were in attendance at the meeting. A new management team is expected to be in place soon, with the county management committee set to discuss the issue tonight. A statement from the county board said: "Following Cavan's exit from the Allianz National football league the senior inter county panel informed the management and board that it was their wish to have a players meeting to analyse their own personal performances from said campaign. The players had the blessing of both management and board to have this meeting. "A number of issues arose from the meeting and following a discussion with Val Andrews he has decided to tender his resignation as Cavan Senior team manager with immediate effect. "This decision is yet another example of the genuine interest and love Val Andrews has for Cavan football. Val feels that for the over all well being of the team which he worked selflessly with, a speedy decision is necessary to afford Cavan County board every opportunity to make alternative arrangements for the up coming Ulster Senior football championship and in doing so he wishes the best for Cavan football. "The Chairman and Officers of Cavan County Board who enjoyed a close relationship with Val would like to express our gratitude to him for his efforts in our County, and wish him and his Family health and good luck in the future."