JIM McGUINNESS THE FALL-OUTS...

KEVIN CASSIDY

IN 2011, Cassidy’s decision to contribute to a book which included details of life under McGuinness provoked a furious reaction and saw the All-Star wing-back (right) dropped. Even in McGuinness’ moment of glory, he would not let it go, demanding the book’s author, journalist Declan Bogue be removed from the post-final press conference in 2012.

COUNTY BOARD

THERE has been more than one clash, but none more fierce than last year’s when he accused the board’s CCC of reneging on a deal to fix club fixtures to avoid a clash with county training. He won that joust and, controversially, the clubs agreed to his demand that no club championship fixtures would be played this year until Donegal’s interest in the All-Ireland series is concluded.

RORY GALLAGHER

PERHAPS the most critical clash, this was a bitter end to a successful partnership (right) with McGuinness insisting it was his decision to drop Gallagher and video analyst Maxi Curran from his management team last September. In the process, he lost a voice to challenge him and a coach whom the players respected.

MARK MCHUGH

WHILE the final decision may have been taken by the player, the fact that McGuinness did not stop a player who had been so pivotal in 2012 hinted at a relationship that had become strained. McHugh’s role as sweeper had not been engaged this season, although it was less effective last year when teams were set up to negate him.