Pat Roe has expressed frustration at the delay in appointing a new Laois football manager.

The former Carlow, Wexford and Offaly boss is hoping to land the O'Moore County job at the third attempt, having been nominated for the position along with Mick O'Dwyer and former Laois All-Ireland minor winning manage Ollie Phelan. However, it's believed the county board are keeping their options open and have been busy contacting potential candidates outside the county to see if they're interested in being interviewed for the post.

"It's bizarre that it's taking so long," Roe said in the Leinster Express.

"The nominations closed last Friday week but there has been nothing done since and the vacuum has been filled by rumours and that isn't a good situation. Obviously the county executive can take as long as they want and they want to get it right but I believe I am the best man for the job and I find it very frustrating. It shouldn't be taking this long.

"I went for the job four years ago (when Liam Kearns was appointed) and I was the best man then and I feel I am still the best man now. I'm a passionate Laois man and I've nearly ten years of inter-county experience. The county board know what I'm about, they know the structures I'll put in place and they know I'll be professional."

The Heath clubman, who was in charge of the Laois under 21s this year, would like to continue his involvement with that team if he gets the senior job.

"If and when I'm appointed, I'd like the under 21 manager to be a senior selector because I think it's important for there to be a link between the two because of the overlap of so many players," he added.

"It was disappointing the way the under 21 finished up alright (Laois lost the Leinster semi-final to Westmeath), but there are a lot of factors you have to take in to consideration. Losing John O'Loughlin was a massive blow before the championship and we were very unfortunate to have a man sent off when we were playing well and leading by a point. But Westmeath weren't far off Dublin and they won the All Ireland so I know we were very close." Tweet

Most Read Stories