Carlow to announce new manager

Carlow officials reckon they may be in a position to announce their senior football team's new manager tomorrow.

Rumours were rife that the Barrowsiders would reveal the successor to Andy Shortall at a county board meeting last night.

Shortall, who was appointed to the job in October, ended his short reign last month after five straight defeats in the National League.

On the subject of the new appointment, Carlow chairman Pat Deering said: "We have a few loose ends to tie up. As soon as we've done that, we'll make an announcement."

Carlow football has been in something of a crisis this season, with the team being relegated to Division Four in the National League, players withdrawing from the panel, issues over training methods and star midfielder Thomas Walsh transferring to neighbours Wicklow.

Former goalkeeper John Kearns is currently acting as caretaker manager and he oversaw another poor showing last Sunday as Carlow lost 4-11 to 1-7 away to London in their final league game.

Kearns, Jim Bolger and Willie Cullen are to remain on as selectors under the newly-appointed manager.

The new boss will be Carlow's sixth manager in the space of five years. Dual player Johnny Nevin, who is a full-time coach with the county board, will not be taking over according to Deering, while Tommy Lyons, Sean Boylan and John Courtney have all reportedly turned down the job.

Carlow open their Leinster championship campaign against Offaly in Portlaoise on June 10.