Former Tyrone footballer Richard Thronton has become the latest addition to the Donegal backroom team ahead of the new season.

The Donegal Democrat report that the All-Ireland U21 winner joins the set-up in a trainer/coach capacity under manager Rory Gallagher.

He joins having finished Donegal having finished his most recent coaching job with beaten Derry senior finalists, Loup. Thornton replaces Westmeath's Jack Cooney who has just finished two seasons in the position.

The second level teacher at St Joseph’s College in Coalisland works with a senior county team for the first time in his career. He played one year at senior level with Tyrone but was forced to call time on his career through injury.