Roscommon still struggling to fill managerial post

NEWS ROUND-UP:ALL INTERCOUNTY teams must officially enter the "closed season" as of today – if at least on a more staggered basis than other years – but in the meantime the search for an intercounty football manager in both Roscommon and Waterford continues.

With Clare now reportedly poised to appoint Mick O’Dwyer as their new football manager next Tuesday, to replace Michael McDermott, provided they can agree final terms in discussions later this week, only Roscommon and Waterford remain without a man in charge for 2013.

Roscommon secretary Brian Stenson has admitted their hunt to replace Des Newton, who stepped down after just one year in charge, has gone on a lot longer than anticipated, although he wasn’t “too worried”, and did expect some development sooner rather than later.

“Well we’re certainly working away on it,” he said, “and as soon as we have any announcement to make then we’ll make it. But there is a committee set up to work on this . . . I’m happy with the work they are doing.

“So I’m not too worried. It won’t be today or tomorrow, but I would expect it to be sooner rather than later. I just can’t say when.”

Professor Niall Moyna of DCU, who also worked in the backroom team of the Dublin football management under Pat Gilroy, was the latest name to emerge as a potential replacement, but nothing it seems came of that.

“Well I think I’ve counted 19 different names now,” added Stenson, “that have either been interviewed, or associated with the job, even though we haven’t confirmed the names of anyone.”

Former manager Fergal O’Donnell was also suggested, although he’s now poised to return to the Roscommon minors, with former Mayo footballers Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly still being linked to the position.

Waterford, likewise, don’t seem any closer to finding a replacement for John Owens, who also stepped down this summer: “No word yet,” confirmed county secretary Tim O’Keeffe, “but I wouldn’t be worried yet either, and believe we will have the right man in place in the next week or so.”

Waterford have also yet to announce a replacement for Ken McGrath, who stepped down as a selector with the county hurlers.