Kernan set to stay in charge of Armagh

Managerial moves: Armagh fully expect Joe Kernan to continue as senior football manager for at least another year. Having just returned from holiday, Kernan wasn't in a position to announce his plans yesterday, but with the backing of club delegates already at hand his return appears inevitable.

"Well, it will probably be another week or so before you can go with that," said Kernan. "The county board have no rush with it, and I've no rush with it. But I will be sitting down with the county board before the end of the week."

Kernan was last night due to meet his selectors, Paul Grimley and John McCloskey, who together have made up the Armagh management since 2002 - when they won the county's first All-Ireland. According to county secretary Patrick Nugent, all the trio need to do is say yes.

"There's already been total backing from the clubs if the lads do want to stay on," said Nugent. "So all we need to do is sanction that. Obviously we can't force them to stay on, but there was a vote of confidence taken in the lads at a meeting proposed by the clubs, wishing that they would continue in the job.

"So I think it does augur well. Once they've talked among themselves we'll know better then. But I suppose at the moment there's still nothing concrete. And some of our management committee members are not available this week, so it could be the end of next week before it's all finalised."

Kernan's popularity in the county remains high, and Sunday's 10th consecutive county title win for his club Crossmaglen is also likely to play some role in his decision to stay on. There is also talk of Kieran McGeeney moving back to his native county having spent the last number of years based in Dublin.

Mayo are another of the high-profile football counties still looking to confirm their management team for next year, following the resignation of John Maughan. County board secretary Seán Feeney confirmed next Monday's board meeting would be facing a final recommendation from the interview committee, but that several candidates still remain in contention.

"The interviews are concluded now," said Feeney, "and the interview committee will recommend their candidate to the county board for approval next Monday. And that should conclude the matter."

Among those interviewed - and eager for the job - is former Derry manager Mickey Moran. Brian McEniff was also in the running, but appeared to rule himself out last week. Yet Feeney wasn't shortening the list just yet.

"They'd all be still in the running at this stage, so it's a matter now of going back to talk about a few different things before we make a final decision. And that will be done over the phone this week. We'll definitely have that concluded by next Monday."