The IFA is pleased to announce the new coaching team, which has been appointed specifically with qualification for EURO 2008 as the main priority. Nigel Worthington has been appointed as men's International Team Manager with immediate effect and up to 30 November 2007.
Nigel has selected the current first team coach at Southampton, Glynn Snodin and the goalkeeping coach from Bolton Wanderers, Fred Barber to join him. The current medical and support staff will be invited to continue.
Nigel Worthington is well known to Northern Ireland supporters as the holder of 66 International caps and a former captain. He also captained the Northern Ireland Youth team. He is a former manager of Norwich City FC whom he guided to the FA Premiership as Champions in 2004. He was Nationwide Manager of the Season in 2004 and Manager of the Month three times during that same season. He gained international coaching experience working with the Northern Ireland U21 squad in 2000, coached previously at Blackpool. His playing career included spells with Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Stoke City.
Glynn Snodin played 600 league and cup matches for Barnsley, Hearts, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers. Apart from his present position at Southampton, Glynn coached at Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers. Nigel and Glynn both hold the UEFA Pro License in Coaching.
Speaking on the appointments Jim Boyce, President of the IFA said:
"We are all delighted to welcome Nigel Worthington and his team to undertake this very important role at a very exciting time for the development of Northern Ireland football. Personally, I am delighted that Nigel has responded so positively to accept this invitation from the IFA to take us through the last stages of Euro Qualifying. These are six very difficult matches but we have every confidence that Nigel and his support staff will do his utmost to ensure qualification. I call on the Northern Ireland supporters to get behind Nigel Worthington”.
In response, Nigel Worthington commented:
"When your country comes knocking there can only be one answer and I am honoured to be given this opportunity, the nature of which is unusual. There is a good deal of talent in the squad with several younger players of quality emerging and I would like to congratulate Lawrie Sanchez and his support staff for leaving the squad in such good shape. I am fully aware of the enormity of the task and the expectations of the supporters. I have selected my assistant coaches, from the quality of their respective experiences and in the full knowledge that we will be focused on delivering a positive outcome. It is never easy to step in midstream but qualifying from this Group will be my number one priority in the next six months and it is a challenge I shall relish.”
Howard Wells, IFA Chief Executive added:
"One cannot fail to be impressed with the professionalism and determination of Nigel Worthington. He is known to be a highly disciplined coach and one who will set high standards and I am confident he will do his utmost to build on past performances and that the players will respond positively to his leadership." |
