It is understood that ex-Donegal manager Rory Gallagher is now the front runner to take up the post.

The Belleek man has met with Fermanagh officials to speak about the post and sources say his interview went superbly. 

It is believed Gallagher is in the process of putting together his back room team as the terms of the deal are hammered out between himself and the five man appointment committee.

The 39-year-old just stepped down from the Donegal job at the end of July after three years in charge where he took the Tir Chonaill men to two Ulster finals.

He was also number two to Jim McGuinness when they won the All-Ireland in 2012.

There is understood to be significant support among players for his appointment. Their backing will be important given the manner of Pete McGrath’s departure in mid July, with player discontent voiced at season review meeting in the Killyhevlin at the heart of the Down man’s decision.

Rumours of Gallagher’s imminent appointment spread like wildfire earlier in the week. However the appointment committee have refused to make comment on the current status of any particular candidate. They maintain the process is still in train and no firm decisions have yet been reached.

The Fermanagh Herald spoke to committee member Sean Burns on Tuesday afternoon and he insisted there is nothing finalised yet.

“As yet I can’t make a comment because there’s a process still in place as regards the appointment,” said the Fermanagh Assistant Treasurer. “There’s a county board meeting on Monday night and the idea since a couple of weeks ago when we started the process was to have a candidate to present to the clubs at that county board meeting.

“That plan really hasn’t changed. That’s all I can say, I would stress there’s definitely nothing finalised at this stage with anybody.”