SWILLY ROVERS’ ATTEMPTS to pull off a big name appointment to replace Jason Gibson as manager came a cropper this week.
Former Finn Harps and Derry City manager Peter Hutton was believed to have been close to accepting an offer from Swilly to take over as manager for the 2016/17 season.
However, Donegal Sport Hub understands that Hutton this week informed officials at the Ramelton-based club that he was declining their advances.
Swilly finished fifth in the six-team Ulster Senior League last season, winning just one League game during the campaign.
Swilly’s future direction was in some doubt back in May when the committee took a decision to return to the Donegal League, only to reverse that call within 24 hours following a meeting with the club Trustees.
Gibson departed after six seasons at the helm, during which time he won back-to-back Knockalla Caravans Cup successes in 2013 and 2014.
In a bid to give the club a real shot in the arm, club officials sought a blue chip appointment and had hoped that Hutton would accept.
Last season, Hutton was sacked as Derry City manager with six games to go. Previously, he managed Harps from 2011 to 2013, when he announced his resignation with one game remaining.
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