Two-time All-Ireland winning manager Pete McGrath has expressed an interest in returning to the Down senior football hotseat but isn’t expecting a phone call from the County Board anytime soon.

The Mourne County is still on the lookout for a replacement for Paddy Tally who stepped down following their Ulster SFC exit at the hands of Donegal back in late June and McGrath – who famously masterminded Sam Maguire Cup glory in 1991 and ’94 – has made no secret of the fact that he would relish the opportunity to manage his native county once again.

“I have no bother saying that, if it was felt that I could make a contribution to the county senior team, it is something that I would look on with great enthusiasm,” the Rostrevor clubman - who has also managed Fermanagh and Louth at intercounty level -  said in an interview with Off The Ball last night (Thursday).

“My entire career in football has been managing and coaching. To be a selector or an advisor wouldn't necessarily appeal to me.

“I would still very much be a hands-on person in that sense. If an approach was made, it is something that I would take very seriously.

“I would look on it very seriously, but it is the type of thing that is out of my hands. I am not sitting by the phone waiting, because I would be surprised if a call came.

“I would be delighted, but I would be surprised.”

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