John Maughan looks set to remain as Offaly senior football manager for a second season. 

The Mayo man helped keep the Midlanders in Division Three of the National Football League before running Meath close in the Leinster Championship.

He also oversaw victories against London and Sligo in the qualifiers before the Faithful lost out to their neighbours Laois by five-points in round-three.

Offaly chairman Tommy Byrne says the County Board were pleased with the team's improved fortunes in 2019 and that they're keen for Maughan to stay in charge for another season and it's believed he's also open to committing to a second year.

The former Mayo, Roscommon and Clare boss has been making a two-hour commute from Castlebar to Kilcormac for training but says that journey was made easier by good buy-in from the players.

"I'm in it because I love it enjoy it. I didn't think I would enjoy Offaly as much as I am now.

"They're a great bunch. When you come into a county outside of your own, getting to know lads, it's always interesting, even outside of football, what do they do, learning about guys, understanding their personalities, I enjoy that."

Maughan is also hoping that Offaly can attract some more players into their setup next to add some strength in depth.

“They need that depth, the Offaly senior panel needs an infusion of talented footballers and you would hope that they would come through the system at U-20 level and maybe those guys who didn’t participate this year for a combination of reasons might be back to strengthen the squad.

"We have been a bit lightweight and I’m not being disrespectful to our own boys here.

“But some of them are just stepping up to this level for the first time in their lives and it takes a bit of time to adjust to that.”