Monaghan moving closer to naming new football boss

The Monaghan GAA board could be in a position to unveil a new senior football management team by next week.

The board has been searching for a replacement for Seamus McEnaney since he departed as manager for the second time earlier this summer.

McEnaney stepped aside after the county's 1-13 to 0-12 qualifier loss to Mayo in June.

A number of names have since been linked with the position. These included former Tyrone star, ex-Dublin coach and player Jason Sherlock, Ger Brennan - another former Dublin star - and outgoing minor manager Mark Counihan.

Despite discussions and close links with some of these candidates there has been no progress towards actually appointing a successor.

There were reports too that the board could also go back to speak to McEnaney after the search for a replacement proved futile.

The board has looked outside the county borders for a manager in years past, with Malachy O'Rourke delivering Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015.

If the board decides to stay local in their bid to appoint a new backroom team and develop emerging talent over the coming years they could look to former players and stalwarts, who have gained valuable coaching experience in recent seasons, to help drive the Farney County in 2023 and beyond.

In this regard, the names of highly-regarded figures like former player and selector Vinny Corey have been mentioned.

It has been mooted that his brother Martin, who has coached the Cavan footballers up to this year, could also be involved in a potential new set-up.

Former player and selector Owen Lennon and one of their most talented players ever, Paul Finlay, have also been suggested as part of a new ticket to help bring the county forward.

If the board decides to look outside the county there has