21/01/2004

Lawrie Sanchez named as NI football manager

In a surprising development, the Irish Football Association (IFA) have selected Lawrie Sanchez as the new Northern Ireland football manager.

It is understood that contractual difficulties at Dunfermline had stymied a bid by Jimmy Nicholl, who was also viewed as a hot favourite for the top job when Billy Bingham retired.

It is thought that 44-year-old former Wycombe manager Sanchez, who gained three caps for Northern Ireland, will now be handed a two-year contract by the IFA.

Sanchez' first task will be to take goal-shy Northern Ireland into a friendly against Norway on February 28. It's a tough start, and Sanchez - who struck the winning goal for an unfancied Wimbledon side in the 1988 FA Cup final - will want to see a gritty performance as his side gears up for this autumn's World Cup qualifiers.

The first test is against Poland in September this year but the team will face greater hurdles in the form of England and Wales, who are also in their qualifying group.

Speculation is rife that Sanchez will attempt to persuade Celtic's midfield supremo Neil Lennon back into the national squad, despite Lennon's decision to quit following a death threat.

Sanchez is widely tipped to seek Gerry Armstrong's return as assistant manager.

(SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 March 2005
Sanchez looks for morale building result
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez will be looking for an improved result against Poland tonight in what is essentially a morale boosting fixture in this Group 6 World Cup qualifying game.
06 June 2005
Sanchez cites lack of confidence as Germans beat NI
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has hit out at his side’s lack of confidence when going behind to the opposition following Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Germany. Northern Ireland went 1-0 up thanks to a David Healy goal after Robert Huth was sent off for a hand ball on 15 minutes.
15 January 2008
Sanchez 'To Be Interviewed' For Ireland Football Job
Former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez is reportedly to be interviewed for the position of Republic of Ireland manager. BBC Sport has reported that the 48-year-old, who was sacked as manager of Premier League side Fulham last month, is expected to meet with the FAI panel set up to search for a replacement for Steve Staunton.
11 May 2007
Sanchez quits Northern Ireland for Fulham job
Lawrie Sanchez has resigned as Northern Ireland with immediate effect to take charge of Fulham as their full-time manager. Fulham Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has rewarded Sanchez for steering the club to Barclay’s Premiership safety by appointing him full-time manager on an “indefinate rolling contract”.
11 April 2007
Sanchez to caretake at struggling Fulham
Lawrie Sanchez is to take over at Fulham as caretaker manager following the sacking of Chris Coleman on Tuesday. Sanchez, who is Northern Ireland manager, will still fulfil his role as the regional football manager.