Kernan linked with Armagh post

Joe Kernan favourite for the Armagh manager's job

Joe Kernan could make a sensational return to GAA management with the Armagh county team.

He is the favourite to suceed previous management duo Brian McAlinden and Brian Canavan who have stood down after six years in charge.

Kernan may be just the man to bring the glory days back to the Orchard county and his track record speaks for itself.

Three times in four seasons he lead Crossmaglen Rangers to the All-Ireland club football title and as a folk hero in the county is an obvious contender.

He relinquished his duties at Crossmaglen earlier in the year, but refused to turn his back on the game completely.

Canavan and McAlinden won consecutive Ulster titles with Armagh in 1999 and 2000, but cruel luck saw them unable to go a step further and reach an All-Ireland final.

It was the disappointment of not winning the biggest prize in the game and losing to Tyrone in this year's Ulster Championship that led to the departure of the two Brians.

"Canavan commented: "Both myself and Brian McAliden had indicated last year that another year would do us and we now feel it's the right time to step down.

"A fresh face may come in with new ideas and hopefully these will be to the benefit of Armagh football.

"I think we just mised out on the extra wee bit of luck necessary to get to an All-Ireland final.

"We would dearly love to see Armagh back at the top in Ulster and maybe getting their hands on Sam in the very near future."