The time of year when on-field action takes a back seat to off-field manoeuvring got busy yesterday as several county managements positions were either lost or gained, writes Ian O'Riordan.

As expected Kieran McGeeney, the former Armagh football captain, was appointed Kildare senior football manager, with former Armagh selector Paul Grimley named as his assistant.

McGeeney has been given a three-year term, despite his complete lack of managerial experience, and inevitably his appointment has drawn comparisons with that of Roy Keane at Sunderland. But after announcing his retirement last month, McGeeney quickly became the target of several clubs and counties, not least of all because of is reputation for thorough and meticulous preparation as a player.

The 2002 All-Ireland-winning captain, who turns 36 later this month, takes over from John Crofton, who stepped down after Kildare's disappointing championship run this summer, which ended with the second round qualifier defeat to Louth. Part of McGeeney's task will be to introduce new players and he will no doubt be present at this Sunday's county final between Sarsfields and Moorefield.

Elsewhere, Paul Bealin has stepped down as Wexford football manager after two years, his departure agreed by mutual consent with the county board. The search for his successor will begin immediately.

The Dublin county board has agreed several managerial appointments for the coming year, most notably giving 1995 All-Ireland winner Jim Gavin the role of under-21 football manager.

Former Meath midfielder Gerry McEntee, the current St Brigid's minor manager and senior boss when they won their only Dublin county title in 2003, takes over as Dublin minor football manager. In hurling, Tom Fitzpatrick, Dublin's former minor manager, takes over the under-21 position from Sean Lane, whose recent term, which brought Dublin a Leinster title, ended this year. Former Dublin player Shay Boland is the new minor hurling boss.

Jim Greene, the former Waterford and Mount Sion player, takes over as manager of the Carlow senior hurlers, while their vacant football position is expected to go to former Meath manager Eamonn Barry.

Meanwhile, Armagh under-21 star Kevin Dyas has confirmed his intention to take up a contract with Melbourne Australian Rules club Collingwood, in what is known as a two-year "rookie" contract. The 19-year-old from Dromintee will link up with former Down underage standout Martin Clarke, who has recently been elevated to the senior squad. Dyas underwent a four-week trial last month, and the former Armagh minor captain, and member of the senior panel, clearly impressed. Armagh county board secretary Patrick Óg Nugent had yet to receive official confirmation of Dyas's intentions but stated there was nothing they could do to change his mind.

"The reality is there is no way we can put up an argument against it," said Nugent. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for the player, and you can't knock him in any way for pursuing it. We can't offer him a professional contract, simple as that.

"Of course we regret his going away, it is unfortunate, but all we can do is wish him well. And if it doesn't work out there for whatever reason he can always come back, and will probably be better off as well for the experience. Look at it overall though, and the number of these youngsters going away still wouldn't be in double figures."