`Six weeks before successor is named'

The dramatic sequence of events that brought about the end of Tom Carr's reign as Dublin football manager may have been sudden but the process of finding a replacement is set to be a drawn out process.

The secret ballot, the split vote and the decisive decision made by county chairman John Bailey at Parnell Park last night was as unpredictable as anyone could have imagined. Just who will take over the reigns is equally hard to predict.

According to county secretary John Costello last night, the process of drawing up a list of candidates will now begin and it will be six weeks at least before any decision on a successor will be made.

The name on everyone's lips last week was former Dublin midfielder Brian Mullins, who was indicated as being interested in taking over responsibility. He subsequently confirmed his interest.

But there are at least four other names currently circulating as possible candidates. According to one source, the growing favourite is Doctor Pat O'Neill, the man who led Dublin to their last All-Ireland title in 1995, but who stepped down in the immediate aftermath.

Whoever does get the job will inherit a Dublin team in far better shape than when Carr came into the position in early 1998. At that time, in the close of the Mickey Whelan era, the team was badly fragmented and in obvious need of rebuilding.

Carr immediately set about the rebuilding process and as the majority of the All-Ireland medal winners from 1995 retired, he went in search of new blood. The likes of Peader Andrews, Colin Moran, Darren Homan and Coman Goggins are some of the new faces he unearthed. But who will now replace him? Here are some of the likely candidates:

Pat O'Neill:

As a player he is best remembered for his return to the Dublin line-up in 1976 and his key role in helping to reverse the defeat of Kerry the year before. He was again placed at wing-back in the team that defended the title in 1977.

O'Neill came into management in the early 1990s as a team selector and was in charge when Dublin won the All-Ireland in 1995 - their first title since 1983. But he stepped down in the immediate aftermath of that win against Tyrone. Now a highly respected doctor, specialising in sports injury, Dr O'Neill is most suitably poised for a return to management.

Brian Mullins:

An extended playing career over two decades saw him win four All-Ireland titles, the last of which came in 1983 after a phenomenal comeback from a serious car injury. He was also a key member of the St Vincent's team that won the All-Ireland club title.

Mullins experienced intercounty management with Derry for three years, guiding them to the National League title in 1996 and then the Ulster title in 1998 but he stepped down from that position after the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway. Currently Director of Sport at UCD.

Val Andrews:

The most popular face of Ballymun Kickhams in recent years, he has already amassed considerable managerial experience. Starting at Tralee IT by leading them to successive Sigerson Cup titles, he departed for Cavan just prior to them winning their third.

Andrews redesigned the Cavan team over his first two years and this season took them to the Ulster final, where they narrowly fell to Tyrone.

A bizarre lack of support among some club delegates resulted in him stepping down from the post last month despite being offered another term. A lecturer in Blanchardstown IT, he is seen as an outside possibility.

Tommy Lyons:

First experienced success at club level by guiding Kilmacud Crokes to the All-Ireland club title in 1995. He then took over in Offaly and led them to the Leinster title in 1997, where they beat Meath.

He then led Offaly to league success but more recently has concentrated on his role as football analyst. May yet get the call.

Paul Caffery:

Another former Dublin player who turned to successful club management. Two years ago he led Na Fianna to their first Dublin title in two decades and took them all the way to the All-Ireland final, where they fell to Crossmaglen. Repeated the Dublin title last year but stepped down afterwards. A Garda based in Store Street, his interest in the job has rarely been expressed but, depending on what happens with some of the other candidates, he could be in the running.