Michael McArdle, the Scottish FA's head of elite women's football and former interim head coach of Scotland, has been appointed Northern Ireland manager. McArdle, who is Tanya Oxtoby's permanent successor, replaces interim boss Kris Lindsay, who presided over Northern Ireland's two opening defeats to Switzerland and Turkey in their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign last week. Lindsay will return to his role as Northern Ireland men's under-16 boss. McArdle said that "history and ambition" attracted him to the Northern Ireland role. "Supporters can expect a team that is disciplined, brave in possession and relentless without the ball, continuing to reflect the hard-working character that defines Northern Ireland teams."

Source: BBC March 09, 2026 13:40 UTC