Sanchez Quits Northern Ireland to Take Charge of Fulham

Lawrie Sanchez has resigned as manager of Northern Ireland to take charge of Fulham on an "indefinite, rolling contract".

Sanchez, who replaced Chris Coleman at Craven Cottage on a caretaker basis in early April, has taken four points from his four games in charge and kept Fulham in the Premiership. He admitted he was "delighted at the news", but said it was "disappointing" not to be able to lead Northern Ireland to Euro 2008.

"During my last month or so at Fulham I became increasingly enthused by working daily with players on the training pitch, and the satisfaction that I felt at seeing the end result on a weekly basis," he said. "The club has an incredibly professional infrastructure worthy of its Premiership status and it is my aim to finish higher than we have before, and to bring the success that the chairman and the supporters deserve for their continued commitment.

"Obviously it is disappointing to not be taking Northern Ireland to the European Championships, but having discussed this 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 repaid with 100% commitment.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the helm of Northern Ireland, and would like to thank everyone involved in that set up for their support of me and wish them every success."

Fulham chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed said he was enthused by Sanchez's "steely determination and focus" and insisted he had the quality to succeed at the highest level despite his lack of experience of managing in the Premiership.

"I entrusted this club to Lawrie Sanchez to make sure we play Premiership football next season," he said. "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. He will have my support and that of my directors and I know that the players will respond to him. I am now looking forward to the new season with belief and optimism, and with a new manager at the helm, who knows what successes it may bring us."

Fulham managing director, David McNally added: "After a disappointing season in terms of our league position, we had no alternative but to pursue another route to secure our status. We asked Lawrie Sanchez to help keep us in the Premiership, which he has done.

"Over this time, he has proven to us that he is the man capable of taking this club where we want it to be; therefore we can confidently pursue our long-term business development plans in the knowledge that football matters are in capable, professional and trusted hands. We are delighted to welcome Lawrie here on a full time basis."