Armstrong quits Northern Ireland job

Gerry Armstrong has stepped down as Northern Ireland’s assistant manager, citing personal and business reasons for his decision.

The North face Finland in Helsinki in a warm-up for the Euro 2008 qualifiers next Wednesday and Armstrong, whose wife Debby is pregnant, felt he could no longer give the job the time it required.

He informed manager Lawrie Sanchez and the Irish Football Association (IFA) of his decision.

Armstrong said: “It is not in the best interests of the IFA or the team for me to continue.

“I wish Lawrie and the team the best of fortune in the matches ahead and thank him and the IFA for giving me the opportunity of working with the squad.”

This brings to an end Armstrong’s second spell with the team. He was also assistant to Bryan Hamilton.

Sanchez said: “Gerry has made a huge contribution in helping us raise the expectations of supporters and improving the performances on the field.

“I thank him for those efforts. I wish him and Debby all the best with their new arrival on the way and good luck for the future.”