Northern Ireland appoint Sanchez
BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- Former Wycombe boss Lawrie Sanchez has been named as Northern Ireland's new coach.
The Irish Football Association announced the appointment of the 44-year-old in a statement on their official Web site.
Sanchez, who will be introduced at a press conference on Thursday, has signed a two-year deal and takes charge of Northern Ireland's bid to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
"I am delighted, proud and honored to be chosen to manage Northern Ireland," said Sanchez, best known for scoring the winning goal for Wimbledon against Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
Sanchez, who won three caps for Northern Ireland, replaces Sammy McIlroy who resigned in October after a run of 14 matches without a win and a European record 13 matches without scoring.
Former Northern Ireland striker Gerry Armstrong will work alongside Sanchez as assistant coach.
Sanchez was sacked by English second division side Wycombe in September after four-and-a-half years in charge and a run to the semifinals of the 2001 FA Cup.
