Down boss Carr to be ratified for a second year

The Down County Board are set to ratify Ross Carr as manager of the county's senior footballers for a second year at their meeting tonight.

The Clonduff man is being put forward by the County Executive, who met last week, as their sole nominee for the job.

There were encouraging signs for the Mourne men during Carr's first season in charge, despite some poor results.

Fielding a largely experimental side, Down had a National League campaign to forget with six defeats and a draw in Division 1B, meaning relegation to the restructured Division Three for 2008.

They regrouped to beat Cavan in the preliminary round of the Ulster championship after a replay, but Monaghan soon ended their Ulster run and they lost first time out in the All-Ireland qualifiers to Meath.

Still, Carr has reasons for optimism with a number of new players gaining valuable experience at senior inter-county level.

Daniel McCartan, Aidan Carr, the manager's son, and James McGovern, who were Sigerson Cup winners with Queen's University, all have a bright future ahead of them in the red and black.

A return to full fitness for Liam Doyle, Ambrose Rodgers and Michael Walsh should also be a considerable boost for Down next season. Only Walsh saw championship action this summer, with former captain Doyle and Rodgers still recovering from long-term injuries.

A two-time All-Ireland winner as a player, Carr was appointed for a three-year term last October but all Mourne county managers have to have their positions renewed on a yearly basis.

Meanwhile, Offaly senior football manager Pat Roe is to remain in his post after discussions with County Board officials. Roe has agreed to another year at the helm.