Ryan ratified as new Kildare boss

As was widely forecast, Jason Ryan has been ratified as the new Kildare senior football manager at last night's County Board meeting at St. Conleth's Park.

Ryan, who served as a coach last season under previous Kildare boss Kieran McGeeney, was given 100% support by the executive committee and club delegates present in Newbridge after the Kildare County board recommended him as McGeeney's replacement.

McGeeney was controversially axed as manager last month following a one-point defeat in a vote at a County Board meeting, which led the Lilywhites panel to criticise the club delegates who voted against the Armagh man and the County Board's handling of the issue.

The players demanded the immediate reinstatement of McGeeney as manager, and dubbed the County Board 'dysfunctional and lacking in both leadership and unity'.

But with a subsequent statement from McGeeney urging everyone to 'move on' - 'Geezer' will indeed be part of Paul Grimley's Armagh backroom team next season - the Kildare squad members are sure to rally behind their new boss.

The Waterford native was selected from an initial shortlist of 'ten potential managers' according to Kildare County Board Chairman John McMahon, who said six others were also considered.

However, Ryan obviously impressed as one of three men interviewed for the vacant position and his appointment was duly rubber-stamped tonight.

A three-year term was proposed, but the former Waterford footballer himself suggested a review after the first seasons before he commits to the full three years.

According to sources at the meeting, Ryan's selectors are yet to be confirmed but it is understood that he wants to have an 'all-Kildare' backroom team.

It is Ryan's second inter-county managerial appointment after a successful spell in charge of Wexford between 2008 and 2012, during which they rose to the ranks of Allianz League Division 2 on two occasions.

Dublin prevented Ryan's Wexford charges from winning Leinster SFC finals in 2008 and 2011 and they were also beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists in 2008.