Armagh intensify hunt for new boss

The Armagh county board will meet tonight finalise a committee to seek out a manager for the senior football team.

Legendary manager Joe Kernan has ruled himself out of a return to the position, while young Turk Kieran McGeeney is set to continue as Kildare supremo. By a process of elimination, McGeeney’s right-hand man Paul Grimley is now the clear favourite to replace Peter McDonnell.

The committee will be joined by an ‘independent overseer’ and a club official to ensure an efficient and transparent process.

Grimley was overlooked for the post when McDonnell was appointed to succeed Kernan.

‘Paul Grimley would certainly be considered if nominated,’ Armagh chairman Kevin Brady told the Irish Times.

‘Joe Kernan has ruled himself out and Kieran McGeeney is not interested at this point in time as he wishes to fulfil his commitment to Kildare which has one year left.’

Grimley has been keen to play down speculation linking him to the position, saying: ‘There has been no approach and I certainly haven’t sought the job.

‘I remain very much part of the Kildare set-up. I’d say I was certainly interested at some stage but whether it is an option now is questionable.

‘It is well known that I went for the job two years ago and didn’t get it. As far as I’m concerned it passed me by at that point.’