Eamonn O'Brien has declared that he was surprised at how he was ousted from the Meath role on Monday.
Delegates voted 32-29 to dispense with O’Brien, who had been willing to go forward into a third year with the county, despite the side claiming the Leinster Chamionship for the first time since 2001.
Some delegates had questioned the strength of the management team’s capabilities while his use of substitutions has also been questioned, but O’Brien says he had discussed these issues last month and thought he now had the backing of all clubs.
That proved not to be the case and he is quoted in Wednesday’s Irish Independent as saying: "These things happen. I just have to accept it.
"Obviously not enough delegates accepted the undertakings given by the management on the issues raised.
"I would have been happy to address the meeting and to answer any queries and concerns delegates would have had.
“We won a Leinster title for the first time in nine years and we beat a Dublin team in the championship for the first time in nine years. But, obviously, these things didn't count for enough. I'd have to say I am very surprised and disappointed."
Colm O'Rourke remains the favourite to take over from O’Brien, though Meath star Cian Ward thinks this is unlikely. Sean Kelly and Damien Sheridan, father of centre-forward Joe, are other names in the frame.
Meath lost last month's All-Ireland quarter-final to Leinster foes Kildare.