IFA to take their time over new manager

The Irish Football Association insist they will not be rushed into naming Lawrie Sanchez’s successor.

The governing body are still reeling from his shock decision to quit as Northern Ireland manager last week and join Fulham on a full-time basis.

But with their next match not until August – they face Liechtenstein in a Euro 2008 qualifier – the IFA feel they can take their time assessing the candidates.

President Jim Boyce told the Sunday Life: “It is vital that there are no knee-jerk reactions to Lawrie Sanchez going.

“We have to take our time and look at all the candidates for I’m sure it is now a very attractive job for many managers.

“We are top of our qualifying group and we have a real chance of making it to Euro 2008 so this appointment will be huge if we are to get there.

“I’m sure the IFA will be inundated with applications and everyone will be considered on their merits.

“As long as I am president, I will make sure we are open minded about the next manager and we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.

“Thankfully our next match is not until August so we have time to get the right man on board.”