Ford calls time

THE search for a new Galway football manager has begun after Peter Ford informed officials this week that he would not be seeking an extension of his three year term.Ford, who led Galway to the Connacht title and guided the county U-21s to All-Ireland glory in 2005, has formally stepped down from the position after a disappointing campaign.Galway dethroned provincial champions Mayo in Pearse Stadium last May, but they were subsequently defeated by Sligo in the Connacht final before crashing out to Meath in the All-Ireland qualifiers.Even if Ford had expressed an interest in staying on, the Mayo man would have faced an uphill battle in trying to prolong his sideline tenure given the failures of the past two years.A number of names have already been linked with the Galway post including that of Salthill man and former All- Ireland medal winner, Liam Sammon, who has a strong coaching pedigree.