Gavin hot favourite to lead Dubs

Jim Gavin’s appointment as the new Dublin senior football manager looks almost a formality after being approached about succeeding Pat Gilroy.

However, the Round Towers, Clondalkin man might have to wait until October 1 to be officially ratified if his name is put forward as the recommendation to the clubs.

Gavin has been asked to put together his potential backroom team, with the plan to meet a managerial appointments sub-committee next week.

The group, comprising board officials, was put together following a meeting of Dublin’s management committee in Parnell Park on Monday night.

Two-time All-Ireland U21 manager Gavin could be the only candidate for the role and is known to have expressed his interest in taking the next step on the inter-county scene.

A championship winner under Pat O’Neill in 1995, the Rathfarnham-based man was a selector when Dublin won an U21 All-Ireland title in 2003 before taking charge of the sides that went all the way in the grade in 2010 and earlier this year.

Gavin could persuade former Dublin team-mate Declan Darcy to be a part of his proposed management team after the St Brigids man stepped away as an U21 selector this year due to a family bereavement.

Jim Brogan, uncle of current players Alan, Bernard and Paul, as well as Shane O’Hanlon, Mick Bohan and Davy Byrne might also team up with Gavin once more.

Meanwhile, Tipperary officials are continuing their search for a successor to Declan Ryan as senior hurling manager. Speculation is mounting Eamon O’Shea is the leading candidate but sources close to the process insist there have been no major developments.

Speaking on Monday, 2010 All-Ireland winning manager Liam Sheedy appeared to be ruling himself out of returning to the position where he worked successfully with Kilruane McDonaghs man O’Shea.

“There are a lot of good people in Tipperary — it’s just a question of finding the right person,” said the Portroe native.

“So I’m sure (chairman) Seán Nugent and his county board officers will be working a little bit in the background, but I’m sure minor (replay) preparations will take pride of place over the next three weeks.”

On Sunday, Dublin-based Nicky English ruled himself out of the running for the role due to his work commitments.

It’s believed the 2001 All-Ireland- winning manager had been sounded out about making himself available for consideration.