McGuinness set for Donegal
Tuesday July 20 2010
JIM McGuinness is way out in front in the race to be the next Donegal manager after Paddy Carr pulled out of contention to succeed John Joe Doherty.
Yesterday evening was the provisional deadline the Donegal County Board had put in place for nominations and McGuinness is the only candidate to publicly declare his interest after Carr's withdrawal.
Navan-based Carr, whose parents hail from the county, had been approached by senior Donegal figures but withdrew yesterday.
"I can't let my name go forward on this occasion," the former Louth manager told the Irish Independent. "Logistically, I'm just not in a position to give the commitment required. I'm with Kilmacud Crokes at the moment and want to see that out."
County chairman PJ McGowan insisted that they will take their time before ratifying Doherty's successor.
"The most important thing is finding the right person to take us forward. We haven't set a deadline for an appointment," he said.
McGuinness led the county's U-21 side to an All-Ireland final earlier this year, where they lost out by two points to Dublin after Michael Murphy missed a late penalty.
Elsewhere, Offaly manager Tom Cribbin will take time to decide his future after his side's exit to Down.
"I've certain ideas about all these young players and how this thing's going to be developed," he said. "If I'm going to manage them I'm going to be taking them a certain way and I need that 100pc backing and they need to buy into it -- but the county board have been good to me.
"This is a building process: there was a lot of things wrong and it wasn't all the county board's fault. I think the supporters came out the last two weeks and they'll get encouragement."
Liam Bradley remains undecided over his future with Antrim. He led the Saffrons to successive promotions in the league and, having only just returned from holiday after his side's exit at the hands of Kildare, is still mulling over his options.
Glen Ryan is to remain on as Longford football manager for another season. Ryan was approved last night for an extension having managed the midlanders for the last two seasons.
- Donnchadh Boyle
Irish Independent
