Fulham Football Club

• Nickname:Cottagers
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin Jol

• Ground:Craven Cottage
• Capacity:26,600

Irish expect Sanchez return

11 Apr 2007 - 10:08:36

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Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce expects Lawrie Sanchez to resume his duties as national team boss following his stint as the caretaker manager of Fulham.

The Cottagers drafted in Sanchez after deciding to show Chris Coleman the door late on Tuesday evening, but Boyce expects Sanchez to honour his contract with Northern Ireland and complete their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Boyce said: "I do not begrudge Lawrie the opportunity. Since he became manager we have climbed dramatically in the rankings. I expect us to be up to 42 or 43 in the next FIFA list and we were 124 when Lawrie took over.

"He has taken on the best - England, Sweden, Spain - and never disappointed us. But I must stress this is purely until the end of the season.

"I spoke to Lawrie twice on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning and have spoken to Fulham as well. They have come through the front door, which is nice.

"I wish them all the very best in their efforts to stay in the Premiership.

"Fulham first approached us on Tuesday night and spoke to me and there are no problems. But I emphasise Lawrie is still very much the manager of Northern Ireland."