- My Account
- Logout
- Register
- Login
Sanchez appeals for understanding
Related Articles
12 January 2007
The Irish Football Association were clearly stung by the timing of his exit and said they would be considering their position over the next few days as Sanchez still had a way to run on his contract with the IFA, which was due to expire at the end of their participation in Euro 2008.
"I would hope that the fans, who were always aware I wanted to make it in the Premiership, will understand the situation," Sanchez told www.irishfa.com. "I believe the Northern Ireland team are capable of qualifying for the European Championships and my thoughts will be with them all the way."
Northern Ireland are in with a chance of qualifying for a major championship for the first time in over 20 years.
They head Group F on 13 points following the superb victory against Sweden in March.
Now, though, they are looking for a new manager after Sanchez's promotion from his caretaker-role at Fulham. Liechtenstein are Northern Ireland's next opponents in August.
Sanchez added: "There is never a good time to go but as I've always said I would rather go when the team is on a high than have to leave because the team is doing poorly.
"With the team top of the European Championships, at their highest ranking since the FIFA rankings began, it's a great job opportunity.
"So although I leave with a heavy heart I also feel a great sense of achievement.
"I would like perhaps one day, if the opportunity arises to return and finish the job."
Top stories in Sport in brief
Sport in brief in Pictures
Top stories in Sport in brief
Sport in brief in Pictures
-
Eden Hazard is key to Roman Abramovich’s dreams of fantasy football at Chelsea
-
TV Baftas - in pictures
-
British woman Lindsay Sandiford facing death penalty over Bali drugs haul is mother of violent robber who carried out raids in London
-
London Fields forever: street style from the hipster park
-
News pictures of the day
-
British housewife facing FIRING SQUAD over Bali drugs smuggling charge was 'neighbour from hell' -
Locked up and banned: The Tube drunk whose vile racist rant was caught on film (video)
-
They attacked "like a pack" raining fists on a defenceless legal secretary. Yesterday they walked free from court. No wonder their victim says she has been denied justice.
-
Mayor demands report from Transport for London into Jubilee Line nightmare that left hundreds of commuters trapped for hours underground
-
Video: Intruder bursts into Leveson Inquiry to brand Tony Blair a war criminal
-
Usain Bolt is quick to tell fans he’ll be lightning fast again -
Invasion of the book snatchers: Brent Council sneaks into Kensal Rise library at 2am to strip it bare -
Video: Is this the World's most OTT marriage proposal? Hilarious film -
Lessons in love: Fifty Shades of Grey ignites desire to write erotica -
Drum'n'bass pioneer Goldie creates ‘rose’ portrait of the Queen
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Celebrate with MARTINI®
This weekend toast one royal with another and make your Jubilee sparkle with a MARTINI Royale.
Reader Offers email A fantastic selection of
offers, giveaways and
promotions.