Banty plans Royal re-jig as Grimley returns to Armagh

MEATH manager Seamus McEnaney will re-jig his backroom team but has no intention of replacing selector Paul Grimley, who has returned to the Armagh set-up.

Pearse Óg man Grimley is back working with his own county for the first time since 2006 after replacing Donal Murtagh as one of Paddy O’Rourke’s selectors. His vacant spot as McEnaney’s football coach will be taken by current Meath selector and trainer Martin McElkennon.

“There are no plans to replace Paul,” revealed McEnaney.

“Martin McElkennon was my football coach for three years with Monaghan and he is more than capable of doing the job. All it means is a shuffle of positions. To be fair, Paul’s news came up quickly on us over the last week or so.

“I wouldn’t dream of attempting to stop him from working with his own county again. I just couldn’t see myself doing that. We had a good chat about things and as we are good friends I had no issue with his decision. I totally respect Paul and his decision and I wish him the best.”

Grimley’s switch back to Armagh means he will be working with a sixth different team in seven years.

After leaving Armagh in 2006, Grimley was appointed assistant manager with Cavan where he stayed for a season before joining Kieran McGeeney in Kildare for two campaigns. He first worked alongside McEnaney in Monaghan in 2009 before the same management team took charge of Meath for this year’s campaign.

On Twitter yesterday, Armagh captain Steven McDonnell welcomed the appointment of the selector he won an All-Ireland title under, along with Joe Kernan, in 2002.

“Great to see Paul Grimley return to the Armagh set up for 2012. Welcome back big man.” However, the 32-year-old Killeavy man won’t make any decision about his inter-county future for another month or two.

Grimley’s departure weakens McEnaney’s position as he hopes to be given the green light by the Meath County Board to continue as manager on September 12.