Reports from Mayo suggest two contenders in the running for next county manager

A big few weeks for the county!

They are on the hunt for a new gaffer after letting Kevin McStay and his backroom team go this summer, the manner of which was highly criticised due to McStay's health condition, which led to Stephen Rochford taking over as interim boss.

Aiden Henry of the Connaught Telegraph has said that while the names of the four men who have applied for the job have not not been released, it is understood to be a two-horse race.

Last month, the Mayo County Board secretary, Ronan Kirrane, outlined the hiring process and also noted that the Board want to "minimise leaks".

He said: “There will be an expression of interest form to go out where potential candidates can get in touch with the secretary, then an application form will be completed by the potential next Mayo manager and following that there will be an interview process where those shortlisted will have to name their top three backroom staff members to the interview panel.

“Feedback from previous appointments pointed to previous applicants saying it would be preferable for them to maintain discretion and to minimise leaks.”

However, the leaks suggest that it is Mayo great Andy Moran and former Armagh player Tony McEntee in the running for the job.

Moran, who was the 2017 Footballer of the Year and a six-time All-Ireland finalist, has previously managed Mayo U20s and Leitrim, and has spent the last year as part of the backroom team at Monaghan.

McEntee, an All-Ireland winner in 2002, has managed Crossmaglen to All-Ireland titles in 2011 and 2012, and improved the Sligo footballers before recently stepping down after five seasons in charge.

The report also notes that it is likely to be "well into next week" before a meeting is called to finalise the Board's selection.