JAMES McCartan has stepped aside as manager of the Down senior football team.

The two-time All-Ireland winner was reappointed for a second stint in charge of the side at the end of last year, but endured a tricky time of things, encapsulated by relegation to Division Three.

They also struggled to leave an imprint on the championship, losing heavily to Monaghan in the first round of the provincial series before falling short against Cavan in the inagural Tailteann Cup competition.

Most strongly associated with the All-Ireland winning teams in 1991 and 1994, as well as managing Down to an All-Ireland final berth in 2010, the abiding feeling was that McCartan had answered an SOS call in the first place by assuming the role for a second time.

Down GAA released a statement confirming the news, saying “Down GAA wish to place on record our gratitude to James, Aidan O’Rourke, Ronan McMahon and the entire coaching and backroom team for their work during the 2022 season.”