McEntee keen to bring fresh talent through in Monaghan

John McEntee. ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan.

John McEntee says he is eager to get started with Monaghan and believes the county has a strong panel capable of building on the foundations laid by former manager Gabriel Bannigan.

The Armagh All-Ireland winner takes charge after four seasons managing Inniskeen, where he reached two Monaghan senior football championship finals.

Speaking to Northern Sound Radio, McEntee admitted the opportunity to manage Monaghan was the one that appealed to him most, while stressing his desire to build on the work of outgoing boss Bannigan.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to it. Really privileged and honoured to be asked to take on this role and I'm going to give it my best shot.

"There's been conversations about the Monaghan post for a number of weeks since it became vacant and there were opportunities for clubs to put names forward.

"I didn't entertain that at the time because I was focused on Inniskeen but I knew this was naturally going to be the end of my tenure with Inniskeen and I had alternative options but this was the one that excited me the most.

"I think there is a strong panel there with high quality players and it's a really good base to work from, but I think it's always good to bring talent through and I think that freshens up the squad.

"Gabriel left Monaghan in a really good place and we want to maintain those standards."