Bradley to discuss future with Antrim board

Liam Bradley's three-year contract as Antrim manager came to an end with last night's All-Ireland SFC qualifier defeat to Down.

Bradley was linked with the vacant Derry position last year, but opted to stay with the Saffrons rather than seek a switch to his native county.

Even if he angles for another term with Antrim now, there will be changes to their management team next year as assistant manager Niall Conway and fellow selector Paddy McNeill are both leaving.

Bradley told the BBC: "I will sit down and talk to the Antrim County Board about my future but I've enjoyed my three years here. I've enjoyed Antrim football and it is on nights like tonight that I like being a county boss."

The highlight of Bradley's tenure has been Antrim's run through to the Ulster decider in 2009, which marked the county's first provincial final appearance since 1970.

'Baker' also oversaw successive promotions in the Allianz Football League in 2009 and 2010, but they were relegated from Division 2 this year.

Reflecting on Antrim's Championship exit at the hands of Down, he admitted: "We're really disappointed, which shows how far this team has come in the last three years.

"The scoreline (of 3-13 to 0-10) does not reflect the effort my lads put in and there was a blatant penalty when Kevin Niblock was pushed.

"After half-time we played all the football but didn't take our chances - Down are capable of scoring goals, they did and it was curtains for us."

The loss at Casement Park ends the Bradley family's interest in this year's Championship. Bradley's sons, Paddy and Eoin, both play for Derry and had their seasons ended by cruciate knee ligament injuries.