MALACHY O’Rourke could be announced as the new manager of Tyrone as early as next week.
The current Glen boss was nominated for the post by his club Errigal Ciaran last week and his path to the Red Hand hotseat has already been paved, with no other candidates nominated.
A county board meeting has been scheduled for next Tuesday evening at which the appointment is expected to be rubber-stamped.
The post was left vacant when Brian Dooher and Fergal Logan stepped down from their joint-ticket last week after four years in charge.
Should O’Rourke take the reins, it will be his first inter-county job since he stepped down from Monaghan in 2019 after a hugely successful seven years in charge.
O’Rourke led the Farney side to Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015, the first of which ended a 25-year wait Anglo-Celt Cup drought.
He had previously guided his native Fermanagh to the 2008 Ulster final, which they lost to Armagh after a replay.
O’Rourke took charge of Glen in late 2020 and has led them to three Derry titles, two Ulster Clubs and All-Ireland glory during his tenure.
The Watty Graham’s club are in the middle of their latest title defence, with three championship games already under their belts.
O’Rourke has lived in Ballygawley since the 1990s and won Tyrone titles with Errigal Ciaran as both a player and manager. He also experienced Ulster Club championship success with the Loup in 2003.
His success at club level in Derry has led to him being linked with the county post on several occasions, but now it looks likely he will throw in his lot with their big rivals.