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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)
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)
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