Jack O'Connor has revealed there was nothing concrete in the speculation linking him with the vacant Kildare senior job.

The All-Ireland winning manager dismissed it as 'media talk' and will now channel all his efforts in his new job as Kerry minor football manager.

"There was nothing to the Kildare job, that was just media talk," O'Connor told the Irish Examiner following his appointment as the Kingdom's new minor football boss.

O'Connor was ratified for a two-year term at a County Committee meeting on Monday night and revealed he is looking forward to his new role.

"It is the one grade I've always wanted to work in. Young lads can be moulded at minor level and you have a great influence on them."

Winning will remain his number one priority.

"The enjoyment of football comes from winning. I have never been one to go on about taking part: it's all about winning. We have to have a winning team. If you have a winning team then the players are sold on that mentality. Winning is the ultimate feeling."

The 52 year old has no interest in making a return to senior intercounty management at this point in time.

"I have no notion of going back to senior level. I've had my stint there. It was very successful but that's done and dusted. My only focus now is on the Kerry minor side.

"I'm energetic, refreshed and looking forward to the big challenge of winning an All-Ireland with the Kerry minors." Tweet

Most Read Stories