Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough parts ways with Irish FA
The Irish Football Association (IFA) says it has parted company with men's first-team manager Ian Baraclough.
Baraclough, who replaced Michael O'Neill in June 2020, had been under pressure after his side collected only five points from a possible 18 in League C, finding themselves battling relegation in a campaign in which they had targeted promotion.
Northern Ireland fans had turned on Baraclough in June, when disappointing draws home and away to Cyprus came alongside a home defeat to Greece and a loss away to Kosovo.
His final game was a 3-1 defeat to Greece in Athens last month, which left Northern Ireland reliant on Kosovo's win over Cyprus to avoid relegation to League D.
After the match, senior players including captain Steven Davis and vice-captain Jonny Evans had backed Baraclough to turn things around.
Baraclough attended last month's draw for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, in which Northern Ireland, seeded in pot five, got a relatively favourable draw against Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino.
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: "Under Ian’s stewardship we have seen the introduction of new players who will wear the green jersey with pride for years to come and for this we place on record our gratitude.
"However, in light of the overall record of results on the pitch, the Irish FA Board has subsequently taken this decision.
"We wish Ian the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to football in Northern Ireland."
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood added: "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Ian for his commitment to the role of senior men’s manager.
"I, on behalf of the Irish Football Association and the wider football family here in Northern Ireland, wish him every success in the future."
Northern Ireland fans had turned on Baraclough in June, when disappointing draws home and away to Cyprus came alongside a home defeat to Greece and a loss away to Kosovo.
His final game was a 3-1 defeat to Greece in Athens last month, which left Northern Ireland reliant on Kosovo's win over Cyprus to avoid relegation to League D.
After the match, senior players including captain Steven Davis and vice-captain Jonny Evans had backed Baraclough to turn things around.
Baraclough attended last month's draw for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, in which Northern Ireland, seeded in pot five, got a relatively favourable draw against Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino.
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