Jason Ryan has stepped down as manager of the Kildare footballers.

From Waterford, Ryan spent two years in charge of Kildare, having taken over on the departure of Kieran McGeeney in 2013.

Despite an encouraging win over Cork in the qualifiers, Kildare’s championship was ended by a 27-point defeat against Kerry in the All-Ireland qualifiers and the county suffered relegation in successive seasons from Division One to Division Three.

Former All-Ireland captain and Longford manager Glenn Ryan is believed to be interested in the position and led the county to the 2008 All-Ireland under-21 final.

A statement from Ryan was posted on the Kildare GAA website this evening.

“It is with regret that I wish to resign from my position as Kildare Senior Football Manager. It is not a decision that I have taken lightly. I have been involved in intercounty management since October 2007 and the challenges and time requirements of the job have taken their toll.

I wish to thank the Kildare county board for giving me the opportunity to work as manager for the last two seasons and to Kieran McGeeney for giving me the opportunity to work with him as selector in 2013. It has been a privilege.

I would like to thank the players for their hard work and dedication to Kildare. Keep the faith men!

Above all I would like to thank the wonderful people who made up our entire backroom team. Over the last two years their honesty, hard work, commitment and passion for Kildare football cannot be overstated.

During my three years in Kildare I have learned a great deal and have had some wonderful experiences. In particular the scenes that I experienced at the end of game against Cork will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Go n-éirí an bóthar libh.”