Sanchez appointed NI manager

Lawrie Sanchez was today named as the new manager of Northern Ireland.

The former Wycombe boss, who left the Second Division strugglers in September, succeeds Sam McIlroy in the post following Northern Ireland’s failure to qualify for Euro 2004.

Sanchez, whose goal against Liverpool won the FA Cup for Wimbledon in 1988, won three caps for the North in the 1980s and another former Northern Ireland international, Gerry Armstrong, has been appointed assistant manager.

“I am delighted, proud and honoured to be chosen to manage Northern Ireland,” said Sanchez.

Dunfermline assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl had also been in the running for the post but he said of today’s announcement: “Somehow, I expected it. I was willing to make financial sacrifices.

“But I like working where I am. Whatever the reasons for the decision, good luck to Lawrie and the players.”