Ian Baraclough pictured earlier today at National Stadium, Belfast. INPHO/PRESSEYE/KEVIN BOYES
Former Sligo Rovers manager Ian Baraclough is the new Northern Ireland senior manager, replacing Michael O’Neill, who is now full time with Stoke City. The 49 year-old from Leicester, played most of his football with clubs in the lower leagues in England. His first managerial job was with Scunthorpe in 2010 and two years later he moved to Sligo where he led the Bit o’ Red to their first League of Ireland title in 35 years. The following year Sligo won the FAI Cup under Baraclough and the went on to win the Setanta All-Ireland Cup in 2014. After Sligo Baraclough managed Motherwell in Scotland and was assistant manager of Oldham. He has been Northern Ireland’s under 21 manager for the past three years.
— Sean Creedon
