'Banty' unsure over future as Farney boss

Seamus McEnaney has conceded that he will have to think “very carefully” about whether or not to allow his name go forward for the Monaghan manager's job after the county’s Management Committee asked for nominations for the job he has held for the last six years.

In a statement released to the media, McEnaney expressed disappointment with the failure to ratify him for another three years at Monday night’s county board meeting.

‘Banty’ said he had thought “long and hard” about his position in the wake of the GAA Football All-Ireland Qualifier defeat to Kildare, but had been encouraged to seek a three-year extension by the county’s more experienced players.

“The decision of Monaghan GAA County Committee to now ask for nominations for the job that I have been privileged and honoured to hold can be interpreted in different ways," the statement read. 

“One perspective is that there are some who feel that I may not be the man to continue to lead this team.

“Do I wish my name to go forward and perhaps be part of a “competition” for the post I have held for the last 6 years??

"Well, that’s a prospect I will now have to think very carefully about.”

McEnaney’s appointment on an additional three-year term failed to be ratified at a county board meeting on Monday night.

He had expressed an interest in remaining at the helm for another three years; unexpectedly, however, Club delegates opted to seek new nominations for the role.

The Corduff man was non-committal on his future in the wake of the GAA Football Round 4 Qualifier defeat to Kildare, but he recently indicated that he would be keen to stay in charge, something that was expected to be rubber stamped last night.

McEnaney is the second longest serving manager in Gaelic Football at the moment, having taken over in the Farney County six years ago.

Meanwhile, the Derry County Board has received six nominations for the vacant manager’s post.

The Oak Leafers are on the lookout for a new boss following the resignation of Damian Cassidy last month.

Current Antrim boss Liam Bradley, the father of star forward Eoin and the exiled Paddy Bradley, is understood to be on the list, although he has already indicated that he is not interested in leaving the Saffrons this year.

Former All-Ireland winners Tony Scullion and Damien Barton are also on the shortlist, while former Fermanagh manager Malachy O’Rourke’s name has also been put forward.

The Derry management committee is expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss the nominations, although an appointment is unlikely at this early stage of the process.