Antrim, Cavan and Derry will surely have been disappointed by Brian McIver’s assertion that he has no desire to manage any other county team following his somewhat acrimonious departure from Donegal.

He may have delivered a National League title during his three years in charge but McIver’s failure to bring an Ulster Championship title - at least - to the county ultimately led to the misgivings that precipitated his exit.

With Antrim, Cavan and Derry all on the lookout for new managers, it’s conceiveable that any of them would have been quite happy to avail of McIver’s experience, motivational skills and tactical nous were they puton offer.

But it’s over and out as far as the Ballinderry man is concerned, it would seem.

McIver says he will “miss the challenge” of managing Donegal - and it may well be that in time Donegal will miss him.

He enjoyed the respect and indeed the affection of his players but given that the St Eunan’s and Gaoth Dobhair clubs who together provide nine of the current county panel were not prepared to give him their full backing, McIver felt he had no option but to stand down.

And since then more than one prominent figure in Donegal has expressed their reservations about McIver. Charming.

McIver may have ruffled a few feathers when he stood down initially immediately after Donegal lost to Monaghan in the All Ireland qualifiers last year when he was clearly less than impressed with the attitude of some of his players.

He was subsequently persuaded to return and would appear to have enjoyed a very healthy relationship with the squad of late.

But championship success, as opposed to meaningful progress in the Dr McKenna Cup or National League, is the barometer by which all managers are judged,

It is perhaps ironic that at a time when three Ulster counties are seeking to fill managerial vacancies one of the most enthusiastic and personable bosses will be left to kick his heels.

Given the experience he has just endured in Donegal, McIver will doubtless be happy to do just that.

Meanwhile, Derry native John Brennan looks set to join the list of candidates to succeed Paddy Crozier as Oak Leaf football manager.

The Lavey clubman, who is the current manager of Tyrone club side Kildress, has managed in three different counties at club level, winning seven senior championships with four different clubs - Lavey and Slaughtneil (Derry), Cargin (Antrim) and Carrickmore (Tyrone).

"I would consider it but things would need to be right,” he said