Former Sligo Rovers league and cup winning manager Ian Baraclough appointed as new Northern Ireland boss

The Irish Football Association (IFA) have confirmed the appointment of former Sligo Rovers manager Ian Baraclough as their new senior men’s international boss.

Baraclough takes over the reins of the Green and White Army following the recent departure of previous manager Michael O’Neill.

O’Neill – another former League of Ireland manager – held the position of Shamrock Rovers’ first-team boss prior to taking the reins of Northern Ireland.

Baraclough however has signed an initial 18-month contract – a period of time that will see the North feature in the UEFA Nations League, the UEFA Euro 2020 play-offs, and Euro 2020 should they qualify.

He will also take charge of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after being promoted from his position as under-21 manager after a three-year stint. 

However, prior to that he was the Sligo Rovers manager, where he helped the Bit O’Red to their first league title in 35 years. He also lifted the FAI Cup and the Setanta Cup during his two-year spell in charge.

“I was delighted to be linked to the job. To ultimately accept the role as the new Northern Ireland manager is an honour and a privilege. I couldn’t be more energised and excited to get going,” Baraclough told the IFA’s media team.

Irish FA president David Martin added: “On behalf of everyone connected to the Irish FA, we wish Ian the warmest of welcomes and look forward to him being a key part of our team.”

And Irish FA chief executive officer Patrick Nelson finished: “I’m delighted to welcome Ian as our senior men’s team manager.

“He will help us build on recent success but also kickstart an exciting new era for the men’s senior team and the association.



“We hope to hit the ground running in his first competitive fixture this September versus Romania in the UEFA Nations League.”