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Walking Away

Paul Grimley steps down in Armagh and McGeeney favourite to take over

Grimley has been in charge of the Orchard County for the past two years.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Updated 13.30pm

PAUL GRIMLEY HAS stepped down as Armagh senior football manager in the wake of last Saturday’s championship exit at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

And that could pave the way for 2002 All-Ireland winning captain Kieran McGeeney to take over as Armagh boss for next season.

The Armagh GAA website confirmed that Grimley had tendered his resignation to the management committee of the Armagh County Board.

Grimley saw his Armagh charges brilliant run this summer come to an end last Saturday when they lost 1-12 to 1-11 against Donegal in Croke Park.

In the aftermath of the game, he revealed that he did not know whether he would be back next season but advocated McGeeney as an ideal candidate for the position.

“There’s no better man to lead Armagh forward than Kieran McGeeney, whether that is the case or not is irrelevant at the moment,” said Grimley.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

In an official statement on the county’s website, Grimley was praised for his contribution to Armagh GAA.

“Paul strenuously argued that it was the right thing to do as he had stressed on his appointment two years ago that he would embark on a development process and that he thought that the process was ready to progress to another level.

“The Management Committee of Armagh County Board wish to acknowledge the contribution of Paul, in terms of his energy, commitment, loyalty, vision and selflessness, to Armagh. Paul has asked for a period of rest and has expressed a desire to be able to relax with his family over the next few weeks.”

Management Record

For the past two seasons Grimley has been in charge of Armagh. Last year they exited the Ulster championship at the preliminary round stage against Cavan before losing out in Round 3 of the qualifiers against Galway.

They enjoyed a far better campaign in 2014 as they defeated Cavan in the Ulster quarter-final before losing the semi-final after a replay against Monaghan. In the qualifiers Armagh claimed victories over Tyrone, Roscommon and Meath before falling short against Donegal.

The introduction of McGeeney to the backroom team this year coincided with a notable improvement in Armagh’s fortunes and the former Lilywhites boss may now take over in his native county.

Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

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