By Michael McMullan

DERRY are set to ratify former All-Ireland winning minor manager Martin Boyle as their new u-20 football manager, Gaelic Life understands.

The Ballinascreen man will take over from Paddy Bradley and have former minor selectors Darren McShane, James McNicholl and Stephen McGuigan on board.

Boyle was recommended by Derry’s management committee and set to be confirmed at next month’s meeting of Derry GAA.

He had a successful three year stint in charge of the minors, winning the 2020 Ulster and All-Ireland titles when it came to a delayed conclusion after the Covid-19 lockdown.

The 2021 group were knocked out by Armagh, within weeks of the All-Ireland success, but he steered last year’s minor crop to an All-Ireland semi-final, going down narrowly to eventual champions Galway.

Derry’s record at u-20/u-21 hasn’t met the level of minor success, with their last Ulster title coming in 2018 and the Oakleafers have to go back to 1997 for their last All-Ireland success at the grade.

RETURN OF THE MACK…Damian McErlain is set to return as Derry minor manager

Former Oakleaf  minor and senior boss Damian McErlain will be ratified as Boyle’s replacement as minor manager.

McErlain led Derry to Ulster titles in 2015 and 2017 before spending two seasons as senior manager. His management has yet to be finalised.

It comes after the news that former Down star Benny Coulter was named as the Mourne minor manager.