McIlroy linked with vacant manager’s job at Stockport

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Sammy McIlroy has been given permission to talk to Second Division Stockport County about taking over the vacant manager’s position at Edgeley Park.

eports from the North suggested McIlroy was poised to quit but the IFA would not confirm his departure last night. The struggling side dismissed Carlton Palmer on September 19 with John Hollins taking over on a caretaker basis.

McIlroy’s side endured a miserable Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, failing to score a single goal in their eight matches, part of a 1,242-minute barren run.