Following Wednesday’s remarkable victory at Windsor it is now time for both Lawrie Sanchez and the IFA to put up or shut up about who will manage Norn Iron after Euro 2008. It is unlikely that Sanchez will continue as manager beyond the competition as he has more than proven his worth. It is well documented that as well as the ongoing power struggles within the IFA, Sanchez has an uneasy relationship with the Norn Iron press.
“Yes, we will sit down and talk now that the games against Liechtenstein and Sweden are over. Our next match isn’t until August when Liechtenstein come to Belfast so we have plenty of time between now and then to speak about the future. I have a great relationship with the Northern Ireland fans but know in management it isn’t always sweetness and light. I would never want to get into a position like I was when I was manager at Wycombe and outstay my welcome.”
Obviously there are certain members of the local press who think they could do just as good a job as Lawrie and have said as much in the past. But Sanchez does have the support of the GAWA. This is in stark contrast to the vile abuse directed towards Steve McClaren by the fickle Englanders, which highlights the pressure and expectation of home nation’s international football. From a fans point of view, our wee country will be lucky to keep Lawrie beyond these qualifying games for Euro 2008. Should we qualify, then a decision should be made then to see whether he should be at the helm in Austria and Switzerland. To expect Sanchez to stay beyond that is ludicrous.
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