Dineen early favourite for Roscommon job

Nigel Dineen is being earmarked as the likely replacement for Des Newton, who resigned as Roscommon senior football manager last night.

Newton took the decision walk away after just one season in charge, with a statement from the Roscommon County Board stating: "The board would like to acknowledge the contribution of Des and his management team and wish them well in the future.

"The board will meet next week to discuss the process of appointing his successor."

Newton, who lined out for Roscommon and Donegal during his playing days, guided his charges to four wins out of seven games in the Allianz League this year.

They were well beaten by Galway in the Connacht Championship and although they knocked Armagh out of the All-Ireland qualifiers, the Rossies then suffered a season-ending 11-point defeat to Tyrone.

The Roscommon County Board will discuss their plans for appointing a new manager at a meeting next week.

Former county forward Nigel Dineen is the most obvious choice as Newton's successor. His most notable managerial achievement so far has been leading the Roscommon Under-21s to a Connacht title and an All-Ireland final appearance in May.