Monday decision expected

THE quest to find the next Meath manager has become the great mystery tour as rumours and counter-rumours threaten to turn the whole process into a long-running saga. The latest rumour to circulate emerged on Tuesday morning when Tommy Carr was reported by RTE Radio to be interested in the job at the same time as he is hotly-tipped to take over as the Cavan manager. However, Meath Co Committee were reluctant to confirm or deny that he has been approached or applied for the Meath job. It is understood that former Down manager Pete McGrath has thrown his hat into the ring and the inclusion of his name in a growing list of candidates will add another layer of intrigue. According to a reliable sources close to Carr, he has been working over the past weeks with a number of former Meath players in formulating a plan to revitalise Meath football. The plan is believed to have included a series of 'strategies' designed to improve the performance of the Meath team. 'Tommy has carried out a massive amount of work and put together a plan to change Meath football and bring it back to where it should be, winning All-Ireland titles. He deserves to at least get an interview, he should at least allowed to have his say,' added the source. It is understood that Carr was eager to be interviewed for the Meath job believing that there was more potential in the Royal County than elsewhere. At the time or writing it was unclear if he would get an interview or not as the Co Committee remain firm in their stance of not releasing any information about the process. The former Dublin and Roscommon manager could not be contacted before going to press however, his interest in taking over is sure to add a further twist to the tale. The Meath Co Committee have interviewed a number of candidates for the post although Carr is not thought to be among those included in the process, as yet. It is believed that a name could be put forward to club delegates at the Co Committee meeting next Monday night. Former Longford manager Luke Dempsey received a nomination however, he has not been interviewed despite expressing an interest in the post. Carr would be a surprising candidate to be considered for the Meath position given his involvement with arch rivals Dublin as a player and manager. There is a strong contingent within the county reluctant to go outside. Over the past few weeks, Eamonn O"Brien has emerged as the favourite to take over from Colm Coyle and it is believed that despite the entry of Carr and McGrath into the race, the current Rathkenny manager remains strongly favoured by certain elements of the Co Committee. While the main focus is on the Meath football job, John Andrews has announced that he intends to continue as the county senior hurling manager. He was appointed for a two-year term last year and while he was disappointed with the team"s displays in Christy Ring Cup this summer he has opted to remain in charge. However, he may have to overcome one or two obstacles at administrative level before he is ratified. On the club hurling front, Na Fianna and Drumree are set to appeal a decision to expel them from the SHC. Players from both clubs were involved in a melee at the end of a SHC encounter a few weeks ago. The game was deep into injury time with Na Fianna in the lead when Drumree were awarded a penalty. The effort was saved and players from both sides became involved in melee in the goalmouth. Both clubs still had outside chances of making it to the knock-phase or in deciding what clubs get into the quarter-finals. Towards the end of last week the CCCC took the decision to expel both clubs and impose a hefty fine of €1,000 each. Both Drumree and Na Fianna have appealed the decision and they are expected to be heard at a Hearings Committee meeting this Wednesday.