ARMAGH boss Kieran McGeeney says he is “very happy” with his backroom team, but hasn’t ruled out replacing former assistant Aidan O’Rourke.
O’Rourke, a team-mate of McGeeney’s when Armagh lifted Sam Maguire in 2002, left the county set-up before Christmas, citing “pressures of time”.
McGeeney admitted he had made approaches to different people about coming on board in 2017 but his targets were unable to commit at that stage.
But as the Orchardmen prepare for the start of life in Division Three – they open up against Sligo at Markievicz Park next weekend – the Armagh boss insists he is happy with the support network he has in place.
“It's only this year that people talk about number twos,” said McGeeney, who was number two to Paul Grimley during the Pearse Og man’s time in charge of the county.
“I have John Toal in, Paddy McKeever and Justy McNulty and Paul [McGrane] in over the pre-season and that's more than I had last year.
“I am hoping to continue with their help. Paul is with the minors obviously.”
On the approaches made, he added: “They were fellas before Christmas.
“I am very happy with Paddy and John and Justy in terms of the honesty they have put into it and I hope that continues.
“There may be other developments. You are always trying to make the best decisions and what is right for the set-up and also for the best of Armagh going forward and the continuation of the thing.”
Armagh could count themselves unlucky to be relegated from Division Two last year, as they were tied on six points along with Derry, Meath and Fermanagh before their inferior score difference consigned them to the third tier.
The early leagues could prove crucial in their bid to escape Division Three, and after facing the Yeatsmen – managed by McGeeney’s former Kildare assistant Niall Carew – the Orchardmen are at home to Laois on February 11.
