Donegal and Westmeath are the only two football counties left without managers ahead of the 2015 season.

Vacancies arose in nearly half of the 33 counties that compete for the Sam Maguire in recent months and after a week that has seen Niall Carew, Tom McGlinchey and Paul Coggins installed in Sligo, Waterford and London respectively, there are just two more positions left to be filled. Officially, Offaly are also still without a manager, but Pat Flanagan's appointment will be a mere formality once he finalises his backroom team.

It's a different story in neighbouring Westmeath where the search for a new manager is still ongoing. Twice, the county board put forward names for ratification - first outgoing manager Paul Bealin and then Peter Leahy - only for them to be rejected by club delegates.

The county board had hoped to have a new man in place before Sunday's SFC final between Mullingar Shamrocks and Garrycastle, but that won't happen now. Former county star and selector Jack Cooney remains the clear favourite, but there is speculation that he could face a late challenge from Noel O'Brien, who led St. Brigid's of Roscommon to an All-Ireland club final appearance in 2011 and was in charge of Offaly club side Ferbane this year.

All-Ireland finalists Donegal could be forgiven for running a bit late with their appointment. Jim McGuinness only resigned three weeks ago and his successor will be one of Rory Gallagher, Cathal Corey, Paddy Carr or Anthony Harkin who are being interviewed this week.

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