Tom Boyle wants to see the new Fermanagh boss in post by September.
Monday evening saw the deadline close for nominations for the vacant Fermanagh senior management post.
The rumour mill has been in full swing since Pete McGrath’s departure with everyone from Rory Gallagher to James Horan linked with the post.
The committee charged with selecting a new manager now has something close to a realistic long-list, with those nominating candidates for the job required to have sought the permission of the nominee to put their name forward.
Who might be on that long-list is a rather more opaque matter though, with the five man committee keeping their cards close to their chest.
County Secretary Tom Boyle is a member of the committee. He says all nominees will be approached and says the target is to make an appointment promptly.
“There has been interest, but I’m not going to be saying exactly who has been proposed at the minute,” said Boyle.
“There will be a meeting of group set up to appoint the manager and we’ll be looking at any proposals that are in and making shortlists and soon.
“We will have to consider all the names submitted and speak to the persons concerned. All candidates will be spoken to and then one candidate will be recommended.
“We hope to have things completed by September and we’ll be issuing statements in due course.”
Boyle confirmed that any recommendation by the selection committee will have to be taken back to the county management and county board for final ratification.
However, while the process of contacting and interviewing candidates is in train, Boyle is anxious to protect the integrity of the process and the anonymity of those concerned.
“The most important thing in these situations is individuals have asked for their names to be kept confidential until the process is concluded and I think that’s the way it has to be. Hopefully we’ll have something very positive in September time.”