Offaly are in the curious position of seeking an interim manager for the qualifiers, having ended Stephen Wallace's reign this week. A Leinster championship defeat to Wicklow led to media reports of player unrest in the camp, although these have been denied by Wallace and some of the players since the county board made their decision.
Nonetheless, Offaly have three weeks to appoint a manager prior to the first round of the qualifiers.
Dublin legend Vinnie Murphy had been touted as a potential candidate as co-manager with Niall Hobbert. The Irish Times reported yesterday that the pair had expressed interest in the job before Stephen Wallace was appointed, and added that they were contacted yesterday to tease out any potential interest they had in replacing Wallace.
Murphy, however, has distanced himself from the job. He and Hobbert are currently in charge of St Peregrines in Dublin, and Murphy confirmed today on Twitter that they remain his first priority should any approach be made. He also recommended Offaly appoint a local manager.
lads was asked about the interim job. But said that Peregrines would be my no 1 priority this year and that wouldnt change, i felt that they needed to get a local now that knows the scene. So no i wont be doing the job https://t.co/I29LIKErNZ
— Vinnie Murphy QFA (@Vinniedub14) May 18, 2018
