McHale on McDermott ticket

Former Mayo midfielder and selector Liam McHale is part of Michael McDermott's proposed Clare football management team.

The Kilmurry-Ibrickane supremo will be joined by McHale and former Clare footballer Colm Clancy if he appointed as Frank Doherty's successor at next Tuesday's county board meeting. Doonbeg player Philip Smith may also be on the McDermott ticket.

While McDermott is favourite to land the role, Cooraclare manager Aidan Moloney, Laois native Ger Lawlor, who is involved with the Cratloe intermediate team, and Cooraclare native Michael Lillis, who lives in Laois, are also believed to be in the running.

Initially, McDermott was believed to have acquired former Dublin footballer Jim Gavin as part of his managerial team but, in an unconnected development, Gavin has been posted to Chad in Africa, with the Irish army from next March. Gavin was also recently reappointed as Dublin under 21 manager.

Clare have been without a manager since Galway man Frank Doherty resigned in the wake of the team's All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Donegal at Ballybofey on July 11 last.