John Maughan does not think Mayo can win All-Ireland in 2019

John Maughan is optimistic about James Horan's second coming as Mayo manager, but does not foresee an All-Ireland title in 2019.

The return of James Horan as Mayo manager has the country talking as they aim to bounce back in 2019. Horan, who led the Connacht side to two All-Ireland finals earlier this decade, has come back aiming to bring the county one step further.

Former Mayo boss John Maughan feels that Horan still has much to offer.

"He knows Mayo football," said Maughan of Horan. "He's involved in it with Westport this past year. He's never really been removed from it. Obviously has an appetite for it (and) has the respect of a lot of senior players who would know him.

"There is nothing James needs to know about the game. He knows a lot. He hasn't been out of it long."

However, the recently-appointed Offaly boss feels that an All-Ireland title is not within Mayo's reach in 2019.

"There are many out there who might think they've missed the boat, missed their chance," he said.

"Tom Parsons will be lucky if he makes it back, albeit I read that he hopes to get some minutes in the championship come the summer. Big question mark there. Seamus O'Shea, you begin to wonder if he has much more left in the legs. Keith Higgins, Ger Cafferkey at full-back. It's a bit of transitional phase. Andy Moran, I watched him playing for his club. Even though he's played quite good football in the championship, another eight months down the road, will he have the legs to go out and (play) 60 minutes? I doubt it very much. He might think differently because he has been amazing the last couple of years.

"Mayo, realistically, can they win an All-Ireland in 2019? I don't think so. But they'll always be there or thereabouts. The break will have done them horrid-good. If we get some of those, the likes of Keith Higgins reinvigorated again. I watched Diarmuid O'Connor last Saturday night [against Castlebar], he was awesome playing midfield for his club. He will probably slot into a midfield role. Get someone to dovetail with him."

Nonetheless, Maughan is optimistic about the team's future with young talent ready to stream through.

"I've watched a lot of club football in Mayo this year," he said. "There are a couple of young fellas out there who would certainly warrant consideration. I don't think it would take a whole lot to get them up to inter-county standard. So in many ways I wouldn't rule them out competing. Mayo have been remarkable the last number of years in the way they keep bouncing back. Maybe this break will do them the power of good.

"You never know what can happen in sport. Mayo have proved us wrong through the back door."