EX-NORTHERN IRELAND boss Lawrie Sanchez has called for Nigel Worthington to step down from his post.
Worthington’s team suffered an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Estonia last night, in an error-ridden performance.
The defeat effectively brought an end to his side’s qualification hopes and following the defeat, the current Barnet boss said:
“Nigel has had enough cracks at it. Everybody sees the writing is on the wall.”
Sanchez oversaw what was arguably Northern Ireland’s most successful period in recent years, which included a famous 1-0 victory over England at Windsor Park, in addition to an equally impressive 3-2 victory over Spain in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
However, Worthington took over after Sanchez left to become Fulham manger, but the latter now believes his successor has taken the team as far as he can, saying: “It has got worse rather than better. Everybody realises it is time for a change.”
Sanchez also told BBC Radio Ulster that he would be interested in returning to the post in the future, saying:
“I have always said I would like to finish what I started. I would like the opportunity. I would like to return to Northern Ireland in the future.”
Meanwhile, Worthington has said he will not be leaving the job prematurely, explaining that he at least intends to see out the remainder of his contract, which lasts until 31 December.
As regards his side’s performance, Worthington told reporters:
“It is hugely disappointing and a 4-1 scoreline is not nice to take. It was not our night but we have to take it and move on.”
The team currently lie second from bottom in their group, with two games remaining, and have only won twice in their eight matches thus far.
