Sanchez signs on at Fulham after NI exit
Lawrie Sanchez will get his chance to prove he can manage at the highest level
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Friday, 11, May 2007 10:01
Lawrie Sanchez has been appointed as manager of Fulham on a full-time basis after leaving his post at Northern Ireland.
The former Wycombe boss was brought into Craven Cottage after chairman Mohamed al-Fayed showed former manager Chris Coleman the door last month with the west London club's Premiership status in doubt.
But with four points earned from his first four games in charge securing top flight football at Fulham next season, Sanchez has been handed an indefinite rolling contract.
"I am delighted to be given this opportunity to manage Fulham Football Club and I am looking forward to the new season and the challenges that lie ahead," Sanchez said.
The 47-year-old said it was "disappointing" not to be taking Northern Ireland to Euro 2008, with the group E minnows currently top of their qualifying group ahead of Sweden, Spain and Denmark.
But Sanchez explained that having "discussed [the situation] at length with the chairman and the board, I understand the importance of focusing solely on the task ahead, and believe that the trust placed in me at this time needs to be re-paid with one hundred percent commitment".
A statement from the Irish Football Association said that it wanted to be the "first to congratulate [Sanchez] on his appointment as [Fulham's] new manager and to recognise the outstanding job he has done for Northern Ireland football and the IFA".
"The IFA will be considering its position over the next few days and no further comment or statements will be made," the statement concluded.
Fulham chairman al-Fayed meanwhile added: "I entrusted this club to Lawrie Sanchez to make sure we play Premiership football next season. He delivered what he had promised, and during that time I became impressed with his steely determination and focus.
"I will always reward those that prove themselves to me, and even though Lawrie has not managed in the Premiership before, I am confident that he will succeed at this, the highest level."
Fulham round off their season with a trip to the Riverside to play Middlesbrough on Sunday, with the team three points off 14th placed Manchester City in the league table.