'Give Sanchez a chance,' pleads Boyce

Jim Boyce is pleading with Northern Ireland supporters to give their unqualified backing to new manager Lawrie Sanchez.

The former Wycombe boss was unveiled by the Irish Football Association at their Belfast headquarters today after pipping hot favourite Jimmy Nicholl.

There is a sense of disbelief in the province that Nicholl is remaining at Dunfermline as assistant manager.

IFA president Boyce says it is time to move on.

“I say to the Northern Ireland fans – some of those who had their own preference on the appointment – give him a chance,” he said.

“The Northern Ireland public have been tremendous the last few years both at home and abroad.

“I am quite certain the fans will give Lawrie a chance and get behind him 100%.

“I am an optimistic person in life and I honestly believe that we can see Northern Ireland’s fortunes improving under Lawrie.

“People have their own opinions and I will be honest with you, probably at the start of the process Lawrie would not have been the favourite to get the job.

“But I have been very impressed in the short time I have met him with his ideas.

“Only time will tell but with 14 games without a win and 13 games without a goal then is only one way you can go.”

The vote swung Sanchez’s way last Monday when he was interviewed along with Nicholl by the IFA’s international committee.

The board were taken by the way Sanchez presented himself and his case.

Boyce said: “What impressed me about Lawrie was he didn’t just come into an interview and basically say ‘We need spirit, we need heart and we need to play for the shirt’.

“He came in, very well prepared and answered questions as to how he saw he could take the Northern Ireland team forward.

“He wants to discuss those points with the players and it would be unfair of me to tell you what those points were. But I believe there is only one way we can go and that’s up.”

The IFA supremo was at pains to point out it was not his decision alone to go for Sanchez.

“Jim Boyce does not make international team appointments. Despite what has been said I do not make these appointments.

“There is an international committee of 10 people and those 10 people appoint the international team manager.

“Those 10 people are very happy that Lawrie Sanchez is the new team manager.”

Boyce admitted Nicholl had been approached before Sanchez got the job, adding: “It is no secret that Jimmy Nicholl was approached by the Association.

“We offered what we consider to be a very good package and unfortunately negotiations broke down, not only with Jimmy Nicholl, but with Dunfermline.

“There were substantial differences and following a tremendous interview on Monday, the International Committee had no hesitation in recommending Lawrie Sanchez be the new team manager.”

Sanchez, who has agreed a two-year deal, revealed he had eyes on the job when Sammy McIlroy left to join Stockport last September, the same time he lost his job at Wycombe.

Sanchez said: “I was proud of my record there and disappointed to no longer be at the club.

“But as one door closes another one opens and it was ironic that Sammy left about a week after I got the sack.

“At the time I thought I quite fancy that job. I end up here today being the rank outsider.

“Life sometimes isn’t a straight line. There are twists and turns and I think I am here for a reason.

“I have got to make the most of the opportunity and in two years time I hope people say he was the right man at the right time.”