Tyrone officials tonight decided to hold talks with Mickey Harte to discuss his future as manager of the county’s senior football team.
The position came up for discussion at a meeting of the county committee, but no decision was made on whether or not the three-time All-Ireland winning boss will continue in 2016.
For the first time since his appointment in late 2002, Harte does not have an agreed extension to his term in place.
His latest two-year term expired ten days ago with the All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry.
But Harte made it clear immediately after that four-points reversal that he wants to hold on to the job, an assertion he has publicly repeated on a number of occasions in the meantime.
Three days after the loss to the Kingdom, he held a meeting with the players at which he outlined his plans for next season.
And he has revealed that he will scout for fresh talent at club championship games over the next two weekends.
It is understood that the successful All-Ireland Under-21 management team of Feargal Logan, Brian Dooher and Peter Canavan are ready to commit to another season, but they too will meet the county board before any decision is made.
However, Tyrone are on the look-out for a new minor football manager after Mickey Donnelly revealed that he is stepping down after five years in charge.
He guided the young Red Hands to an Ulster title and to an All-Ireland final appearance during his tenure, along with assistant Kieran McHugh.
“The executive committee are going to meet with all the management teams before the end of the month, with the exception of the minor management,” said county PRO Eunan Lindsay.
“Mickey Donnelly does not wish to continue, and the Tyrone county board wishes to thank Mickey and Kieran McHugh for their tireless work over this last five years.”
It’s unclear whether senior hurling manager Mattie Lennon is willing to commit to a third year in the post.
The Armagh native had overseen major progress in the small ball game in the county, guiding Tyrone to successive promotions and a first ever Nicky Rackard Cup title during his two years in charge.
