THE Down management committee confirmed on Thursday that the appointment process for their new senior football manager is ongoing and will be completed within the next 10 days.
The committee clarified that “contrary to some reports, there had been no intention to convene a meeting of the county committee this week”. Their statement also revealed there will be no further briefings regarding the appointment of Jim McCorry’s successor ahead of the next meeting of the county committee.
Rumours have circulated about the identity of the new Down boss since the Lurgan native’s shock resignation less than two months after losing to Wexford in a first round All-Ireland Qualifier. McCorry had guided the Mourne men back to the top flight in the spring, but their subsequent Championship defeats to Derry and Wexford led to his eventual downfall, just one season into a three-year term.
Weeks after receiving a vote of no confidence from the county committee, a disillusioned McCorry stepped down in August, despite receiving the greenlight to continue from club delegates.
Down legends Mickey Linden, Conor Deegan and Paddy O’Rourke – who already had a stint at the helm between 2003 and 2006 – have all been mooted as possible replacements. Fuel was added to the fire earlier this month with speculation that Tony McEntee was in the running – something the former Crossmaglen boss was unequivocal in dismissing.
Former Down players Seán Ward and Mickey Walsh are among others who have also been linked to the position. Recently leaving their roles as respective managers of Burren and Mayobridge, their possible candidacy only adds to the intrigue surrounding the vacant Down hotseat.
