Division 4 Allianz Football League preview: Oisín McConville's Wicklow to bounce back

A glance at the competing counties in Division 4 shows up no representation from the provinces of Connacht and Ulster.

This is the league, so we're not classifying London as a Connacht team. What's left are sides scattered across Munster and Leinster. There has been talk of a third tier in the All-Ireland championship, no doubt aimed at some in this section.

Whether or not there would be buy-in remains to be seen, with counties, perhaps, 'too proud' to take their place under the Tailteann Cup rung.

Wicklow might see themselves a cut above that and despite relegation last year, their championship run saw them defeat Westmeath, before subsequently losing narrowly to Kildare. In the Tailteann, they at least made the knockout round, going down to eventual winners Down.

Limerick came down with the Garden County last spring, with manager Jimmy Lee having to deal with the absences of a number of key players. An instant return would surpass expectations.

After coming so close to making the jump last year, with a contentious penalty award for Leitrim ultimately sealing their fate, Wexford will be confident that they can make amends 12 months on. John Hegarty is back for a third year in the hotseat.

Ballaghaderreen native Mike Solan (above) has been tasked with taking Longford out of the basement division, taking over from Paddy Christie.

He is an All-Ireland under-21 winning manager with his native Mayo in 2016 and was Andy Moran's right-hand man with the Leitrim senior football team in Moran’s first year in charge.

After leading Mayo to that under-21 title, he was in contention for the senior job when James Horan called time on his second tenure in charge of the team.

With no O'Byrne Cup to defend, Longford will be hoping to hit the