PAT Cunningham is expected to be named as the new Down minor manager, possibly as soon as tonight.

Gaelic Life understands that the Ballymartin native, who has been based in Burren in recent years, has fended off stiff competition in the race to replace James McCartan.

Cunningham has been working with the Down development squads for years and has put together a strong backroom team.

Included in that is DJ Morgan, who helped guide the Carryduff u-21s to three county titles in-a-row and a first-ever Senior Championship final appearance in 2020.

Former Down star Ambrose Rogers is also understood to be part of the package, as is Loughinisland man Conor O’Toole who has also been heavily involved in coaching in the Mourne county. Also in the backroom team are Aaron Brannagan, Davy O’Hare and Paddy Doherty.

Candidates were informed yesterday of the outcome of the process.