A blow for Derry as another candidate for the manager role rules themselves out

Derry have suffered another blow as the Slaughtneil manager has ruled out becoming the next manager following the departure of Mickey Harte.

Mark Doran will instead take up a coaching role in Roscommon after weeks of speculation around the Down native taking over the Oakleaf County.

His side lost the Derry Senior Football Championship semi-final last weekend to Glen, a side managed by the newly appointed Tyrone manager and another individual previously linked with the vacant Derry job, Malachy O’Rourke.

It has been reported in the Irish News that Doran had talks with Derry last week but no agreement was struck, and so the search for the next Derry manager will continue for the county board.

Doran is an extremely experienced coach, having previously worked in the inter-county set-ups of Clare and Wicklow.

He joins a long list of individuals that have been speculated to become the next manager for a county with a talented squad that is aiming for a third Ulster Championship in four years, retain their National League title, and claim their second All-Ireland title.

James Horan, Karl Lacey, Damien McErlain, and now Doran have all denied any links to the role. 

Rory Gallagher’s name has been loudly whispered around the Oakleaf County following the departure of Harte.

However, the county board has ruled out the possibility of the former Fermanagh, Donegal, and Derry manager taking up the role again.

The question remains: who will be the next Derry manager?