Speculation is rife as to who will replace Cian O'Neill in the Kildare football hot-seat with local legend Glenn Ryan considered a front runner at this early stage.

The 1998 All-Ireland final captain failed in his bid to land the job four years ago with O'Neill getting the nod from the County Board and he is the current favourite for the job.

The former centre-back guided the Lilywhites to a Leinster U-21 title and final appearance in 2008 before a five year stint at the helm of the Longford senior footballers from 2009 to 2013.

Last year's All-Ireland winning U20 manager Davy Burke is also in the frame while former Sligo and Waterford manager Niall Carew, who served as a selector during Kieran McGeeney's time as manager, is another possibility.

Moorefield's 2017 Leinster Club winning manager Ross Glavin will also have his supporters if he's interested in making the step up to the inter-county scene.

Outsiders who could come into the reckoning include Kerry All-Ireland winning manager Jack O'Connor whose sons Cian and Eanna play their club football under Glavin with the current standard bearers.

Lilywhite chiefs would find it hard to say no to a management team comprising of both O'Connor and Glavin.

Recently departed Monaghan boss Malachy O'Rourke has also been linked with the vacany but it is understood that he is keen to take a year out after his seven-year stint with the Farney County.

Donegal's 2012 All-Ireland winning manager Jim McGuinness, who recently parted company with American soccer side Charlotte Independence, UCD's Sigerson Cup winning manager John Divilly and current selector Tom Cribbin, who has previous managerial experience with Laois and Westmeath, may also come into the reckoning.

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