Tommy Lyons has been installed as the firm favourite to become the new Mayo football manager after John Maughan withdrew from the race to succeed John O’Mahony.
Former Mayo boss Maughan made his decision on Thursday night following Tuesday night’s County Board meeting, which decided the make-up of the five-man selection committee tasked with finding a new manager.
“I was very interested in the job but following a discussion with the chairman of the county board last night I decided not to pursue my interest in the position any further,” said Maughan.
Maughan’s decision leaves former Dublin boss Lyons and former Mayo players James Horan and Anthony McGarry as the remaining candidates.
Lyons has been installed as firm favourite, with a leading Galway bookmaker suspending betting on the market.
“We were inundated with requests for Lyons at 6-1," said Alan Mulholland of Mulholland bookmakers. “Cutting him to 3-1 didn't put people off. The late money in these markets normally tells us who has got the nod as those in the know try to make a quick buck at the death. That appears to be the case in this situation.”
