Jason Ryan has stepped down after five years as Wexford football manager.

The news comes as no surprise after a frustrating Leinster SFC semi-final exit after they had All-Ireland champions Dublin on the rack. Wexford subsequently suffered a surprise All-Ireland qualifier loss to Tipperary in Thurles, which proved to be the Waterford man's last game in charge.

Despite failing to deliver a Leinster title, Ryan presided over one of Wexford's most successful periods in decades. He led them to provincial final appearances in 2008 and 2011, and also to an All-Ireland semi-final appearance in 2008 when they were beaten by eventual champions Tyrone.

Ryan, who was appointed to the Model County job after guiding Clongeen to a Wexford SFC title in 2007, also won promotion to Division 2 of the Allianz League earlier this year. Regarded as one of the most astute young managers in the game, his name will now inevitably be linked with the vacancy in his native Waterford, but other more high-profile counties are expected to check out his availability.

Kevin Kehoe, who guided Wexford to their first ever Leinster U21 football title last year, is the early favourite to replace Ryan. Tweet

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