The Laois County Board will meet tonight in the hope of appointing a new football manager, just four days before the county senior team open their National League campaign.

Although Michael Dempsey - who managed the side throughout last year's league and championship - is interested in retaining the job, there are a number of other contenders, two of whom are believed to have strong links with the the under-age successes of Laois teams.

Contrary to widespread reports, Dempsey was not sacked by the Laois board but is undecided as to whether he will regain the management position for another season.

If a suitable candidate is not secured at the meeting, the county board intend looking after the affairs of the senior team on a temporary basis.

While the county have had astonishing success at both minor and under-21 level in recent years, there is considerable disquiet over the fact that such talent has not yet led to success at senior level.

Although candidates for the post other than Dempsey have not been officially named by the county board, there is a strong feeling locally that former minor manager Gabriel Lawlor may get the call.

Approaches were made to former Cork boss Billy Morgan, but it seems that he may be set to lend his experience to Wicklow.

His name has been linked with the management post there in recent weeks but it is now understood that while Niall Rennick will remain as manager, Morgan may be about to take on an advisory role.

However, a spokesperson for the Wicklow County Board stressed that nothing had been finalised in relation to the senior management set-up.