Kearns' future not in doubt

Liam Kearns future as Laois senior football manager is not under any threat, despite his side's six-point loss to Wexford in the Leinster championship at Croke Park on Sunday.

The Laois County Board Executive met last night, however the position of the Laois senior football management was not discussed, with the main focus pertaining to hurling management issues.

Laois County Board Executive member and Football Board Vice-Chairman Alan Langton has fully endorsed the work, preparation and commitment of the senior football management and the entire squad.

"There is absolutely no question mark over the football management," he insisted.

Despite criticism on local radio in the aftermath of the game, Langton has backed the management.

"They are not under review at present and there is no question of them being reviewed mid-season," he said.

The squad and management, along with County Board officials, are anxious to bounce back from Sunday's defeat, and are determined to redress this in the qualifiers.

"They are a young squad and they can only learn from this and hopefully with players returning to the panel in the next few weeks we will be in a stronger position come the qualifiers," Langton added.

Laois will return to training this Thursday night in Portlaoise, eager to get their preparations for the All-Ireland campaign off to a positive start.

"The squad will come together for training on Thursday night. We will be waiting for Sunday's (qualifier) draw with interest and we will approach and prepare for July 19 in a positive and thorough manner," Langton said.

The qualifiers are top-heavy with some of the most successful teams in recent years including reigning Ulster champions Tyrone and Connacht champions Sligo, as well as the National Football League champions of the past two years, Donegal and Derry.

Kearns took over from Mick O'Dwyer late in 2006, after Laois crashed out to Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.