Football bosses tight-lipped after Sanchez meeting

Irish Football Association (IFA) president Jim Boyce has had a “long and amicable, private conversation” with Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez today.

Speculation is growing in the province that the splendid 3-2 victory against Spain in a Euro 2008 qualifier will be Sanchez’s last in charge.

But a statement on the IFA’s website, irishfa.com, said: “The president of the IFA, Jim Boyce has been contacted this afternoon, by the national coach, Lawrie Sanchez.

“The president had a long and amicable, private conversation with Lawrie Sanchez.

“Lawrie has assured Jim Boyce that early next week he will be in contact with the IFA and the IFA president is hopeful that this matter can be resolved to the benefit of the IFA and the Northern Ireland football public.

“No further comments will be made on this subject until the IFA is in a position to do so.”

Boyce did admit there is “a problem” concerning the manager, although he did not elaborate on what that might be.

But Boyce did say on BBC Online: “I expect Lawrie to stay on as manager until the end of the European qualifiers.”

The IFA office bearers, led by Boyce, met last night to discuss Sanchez’s no-show after Wednesday’s match.

The manager, who is facing a fine by UEFA after declining requests for post-match interviews, was thought to be in London attending a funeral today.