Sanchez extends deal to 2007
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As if to underline the fact that Northern Ireland visit Old Trafford today unburdened by the pressure to win at all costs, Lawrie Sanchez, the manager, yesterday agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract extension that will keep him in charge until 2007.
As if to underline the fact that Northern Ireland visit Old Trafford today unburdened by the pressure to win at all costs, Lawrie Sanchez, the manager, yesterday agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract extension that will keep him in charge until 2007.
Sanchez, though, is not a man to bask in his new-found security and concede to the overwhelming belief that his side have little hope of upsetting England.
Northern Ireland have grown in confidence and belief during Sanchez's 12-game reign, consigning to history the depressing run of 1298 goalless minutes that did for predecessor Sammy McIlroy. That progress has been rewarded by Sanchez's new deal and, as both player and manager, his pedigree in the role of underdog is impressive.
That does not mean he is underestimating England, despite his light-hearted assessment of the perceived weaknesses of Sven Goran Eriksson's side. "Beckham hasn't got a left foot and Gerrard cries at the drop of a goal," the Northern Ireland manager quipped in response to the midfielder's admission this week that he was reduced to tears as a seven-year-old by Sanchez's winning goal for Wimbledon against Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
However, even when reverting to a more serious assessment of today's opponents, he was quick to point out how England's strengths could work in his own side's favour. "They are world-class players with a world-class manager but this gives us a chance to compare ourselves to them," added Sanchez, who will be joined in the dug-out by Gerry Armstrong, despite the assistant manager suffering cuts and bruises in a car crash on Thursday night.
"Things aren't going to go badly. These are professional footballers playing in front of 67,000 people representing our country on the best stage in the world and against some of the best players in the world. I don't think you can say that's doing badly."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments