THE TIPPERARY County Board has again dismissed as "pure speculation" reports that former county stars Declan Ryan and Tommy Dunne would today be ratified as the new senior hurling management team in succession to Liam Sheedy, writes Ian O'Riordan.

According to Tipperary press officer Ger Ryan, “no appointment was imminent” and that the search for a new management team was still “very much in the early stages”. It would, he said, more likely be the end of the month before any appointment was made, and that even when it was it would have to come before the full county board for approval.

It’s just over a week since another former county star Nicky English was reportedly on the cusp of returning to the manager’s role he previously held in 2001 – but English later dismissed that as speculation, as work and other commitments effectively prevented him from taking over.

While Ryan and Dunne are unquestionably in the running for the position, the board don’t appear to be in any great rush to offer them the job just yet. In fact county chairman Barry O’Brien indicated earlier this week it would most likely be the end of the month before anything is agreed.

When English ruled himself out of contention, other names such as Declan Carr emerged as candidates, although the prospect of Ryan and Dunne joining forces still appears the most likely.