McIlroy moves to Stockport

SAMMY McIlroy has been appointed manager of Second Division Stockport, after abandoning his role as Northern Ireland coach.

The former Manchester United midfielder has joined the Edgeley Park club, just five days after the end of Northern Ireland’s disappointing Euro 2004 qualifying campaign.

The Irish finished bottom of Group Six, having failed to win any of their eight matches, and went 1,242 minutes without scoring a goal under McIlroy, who resigned as coach of the national side this morning.

McIlroy replaces caretaker manager John Hollins, who stood in following Carlton Palmer’s dismissal last month.

It is understood the Irish Football Association will meet inside the next two weeks, to begin the process of appointing a successor to McIlroy.

McIlroy was left frustrated by the retirement of key players like Neil Lennon, Jim Magilton, Kevin Horlock, and Gerry Taggart. He was also angered at the constant raft of withdrawals during his time in charge.

There is already speculation as to the candidates for the job, which is among the toughest in world football. Iain Dowie, Danny Wilson, Jimmy Quinn, and Jimmy Nicholl are among the names that are being bandied about.

Dowie has an impressive track record at Oldham, and Northern Ireland midfielder Michael Hughes said: “He would get my backing. No disrespect to the IFA, but I don’t think they will be breaking down the doors to get to this job.”

Hughes said he was shocked to hear that McIlroy had quit: “It is disappointing, he is a decent manager and a decent man. I got on quite well with him, and I am sorry to hear that he is leaving. People will look at our results and not know the whole truth. There are good signs we are progressing, and improving.”