Speculation has intensified that Jason Ryan is set to leave the Wexford footballers to take charge of the Waterford hurlers.

And according to reports, the De La Salle clubman is lining up former Kilkenny goalkeeper James McGarry to work alongside him. While Ryan doesn't have a strong hurling background, he has excellent managerial credentials and would be a popular choice to succeed Davy Fitzgerald in the Deise hot-seat. If appointed, Ryan would become Waterford's first native manager since 1996 when Tony Mansfield was replaced by Cork's Gerald McCarthy.

It's believed there are two other Ryans in the running - current Carlow boss Kevin Ryan, who is a former Waterford hurler and selector, and Michael Ryan, who made his name as manager of the Waterford ladies football team before going on to become a county hurling selector and managing De La Salle to county and Munster club honours last year.

A former Waterford footballer, Jason Ryan was appointed Wexford football boss at the age 32 in 2007, and has since led them to two Leinster final appearances (2008 and this year) as well as to an All-Ireland semi-final appearance in '08.

Interviews for the post have yet to be carried out by a six-man committee which comprises county board chairman Tom Cunningham, vice-chairman John O'Leary, secretary Timmy O'Keeffe and treasurer Joe Cleary, along with club delegates Seamus Quirke (De La Salle) and John McDonnell (Tallow). Tweet

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