Ian Baraclough has been named as Northern Ireland’s new manager as the 49-year-old steps up from the Under-21s role to succeed Michael O’Neill. The 49-year-old Baraclough becomes only the second Englishman to take charge of Northern Ireland, but the Irish Football Association will hope the former Scunthorpe and Motherwell boss offers some continuity following the success of O’Neill. To ultimately accept the role as the new Northern Ireland manager is an honour and a privilege. He leaves big shoes to fill after guiding Northern Ireland to qualification for Euro 2016 and narrowly missing out on a place at the 2018 World Cup. Ian Baraclough used to manage Motherwell (Jeff Holmes/PA)Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson added: “I’m delighted to welcome Ian as our senior men’s team manager.

Source: Express June 27, 2020 18:56 UTC