Sanchez to take on Northern Ireland challenge

Lawrie Sanchez is scheduled to be unveiled as Northern Ireland’s new manager today knowing he has a fight on his hands to win over the supporters.

The former Wycombe boss has agreed a two-year deal after ousting clear favourite Jimmy Nicholl.

It is understood the Irish Football Association turned to Sanchez purely on economic grounds.

Former Northern Ireland defender John O’Neill told BBC Radio Ulster: “Because Jimmy was a big favourite with the fans he may have been given more of a honeymoon period.

“Lawrie is going to have to get the team’s act together very quickly or this thing about Jimmy being favourite may come back to haunt him a little bit.

“I must admit I was surprised at the decision but I wish Lawrie lots of luck in the job and hope he turns things around.

“You look at Jimmy’s playing record with Northern Ireland and the fact he was the fans’ favourite. But it seems to have all boiled down to money.

“Lawrie is a clever guy. He is very articulate, well educated and by all accounts gave a very good interview (to the Irish Football Association).

“From an experience point of view I don’t think there is much to choose between him and Jimmy.”

Sanchez is to bring in Gerry Armstrong as his right-hand man. He had a stint previously as assistant to Bryan Hamilton.

Armstrong said: “I am very pleased for Lawrie and looking forward to getting on with the job in hand.

“I am going to be speaking to him over the next couple of days and we will run over a few things regarding our strategy and what he wants from me.

“It is all about results. If we perform well and score goals then I am sure we can win over the fans.

“Lawrie is an ambitious person, he has represented Northern Ireland like me and he wants to take things a stage further. He is patriotic and knows this is a great honour.”

Armstrong added: “Lawrie spoke to me last weekend and said he was going to the interview and asked me to be his assistant if he got the job.

“Having played for your country, the next best thing is to help any way you can.”

Sanchez replaces Sammy McIlroy, who resigned to join Stockport at the end of Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, in which his side finished bottom of the group and without a goal in 1,242 minutes.

He has been handed the task of guiding Northern Ireland through a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign, which will see them face England, Wales, Austria, Poland and Azerbaijan.

Sanchez’s first match in charge will be against Norway in a friendly at Windsor Park on February 18.