Kevin McStay McStay emerges as a strong candidate for Mayo hotseat

The deadline for nominations for the post of Mayo senior football manager will close on Friday evening and RTÉ Sport understands that Kevin McStay has emerged as a strong candidate for consideration.

It is also believed that he has assembled a high-powered and impressive backroom team, which includes former-Mayo manager and Donegal coach Stephen Rochford. Another top-class coach, Donie Buckley, is also said to be in his proposed set-up.

Former Mayo star Liam McHale is, according to sources, also on the ticket as part of the proposed backroom, as is another All-Ireland club winner with Crossmolina, Damien Mulligan, who has great experience of club management in the county.

McStay previously sought the job in 2014 but it instead went to Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes.

He subsequently took control of the Roscommon senior footballers and it appeared that his days on the inter-county scene were over.

A number of candidates have already put their names forward for the job which was recently vacated by James Horan.

Declan Shaw, Ray Dempsey and Michael Solan have also been mentioned as possible successors.

When the deadline has passed, candidates will be assessed before interviews are held.

It is expected that the new manager will be in place before the start of the club championships.