Antrim and Fermanagh closing on new bosses

Two counties still searching for a senior football manager are expected to fill the respective positions next week.

Over two months have elapsed since Peter Canavan stepped down as Fermanagh manager and four weeks have passed since Peter Dawson’s controversial resignation as Antrim boss.

Antrim County Board chairman Jim Murray informed to the Irish Examiner that while their target date for filling the role vacated by Dawson is November 15, a successor is likely to be unveiled next week. Liam Bradley, who guided Antrim to the 2009 Ulster final, is one of the candidates in line for the position, Murray confirmed.

“Nominations have closed and the four-strong management committee are meeting with the candidates over the weekend,” he said.

“From those interviews, the management committee will report back and make a recommendation to the executive committee on Tuesday evening. I am hopeful that the manager will come from this weekends meetings. We would like to have this wrapped up as soon as possible.

“It is about getting the right manager in place and the right management team in place that will progress Antrim football. We want someone who will have the same ambition as ourselves.We are in Division 4 of the league and that is not where we want to be.”

Fermanagh County Board secretary Tom Doyle revealed the Ernesiders are also close to an appointment. Six individuals were nominated by clubs, but it is believed that only four went forward for interview last week.

Gerry Moane, who served as a selector to Charlie Mulgrew in 2006, is tipped to succeed Canavan, though Doyle refused to be drawn on the runners and riders for the position.

“We hope to conclude the process shortly,” Doyle said.

“The candidates have been interviewed and we are now at the consideration process. We have to await who the county management committee recommend. We would hope to have it done in the not too distant future, next week hopefully.”