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Northern Ireland announce Ian Baraclough exit

Northern Ireland announce Ian Baraclough exit
© Reuters
Northern Ireland part ways with manager Ian Baraclough after their recent poor results in the UEFA Nations League.

Ian Baraclough has been removed from his position as manager of Northern Ireland.

After a stint in charge of the Under-21s, Baraclough was provided with the opportunity to make the step up to the senior squad in 2020.

However, despite periods of optimism during his stint in the dugout, his team have regular under-performed, even against opposition deemed to be at the same level on the international stage.

Ahead of the nation's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, the Irish Football Association has made the decision to part ways with the 51-year-old with immediate effect.

Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough pictured on September 7, 2020© Reuters

In a statement, 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."

Baraclough departs his role having recorded six wins and 14 defeats from his 28 matches in charge, two of those victories coming in international friendlies.

Northern Ireland's Ciaron Brown, Paddy McNair, Dion Charles and Shayne Lavery react after the match on March 29, 2022© Reuters

During the early stages of his reign, Northern Ireland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties to set up a chance to qualify for Euro 2020, but the Green and White Army lost to Slovakia after extra time in Belfast.

Notable goalless draws at home to Switzerland and Italy would be recorded in 2021, the latter playing a significant part in denying the European champions a place at the 2022 World Cup.

Nevertheless, despite a comeback win over Kosovo last month, it was the only success in Baraclough's final seven matches in charge.

Northern Ireland are not back in action until March, meaning that the search for a replacement is unlikely to be concluded in the short term.

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Michael O'Neill during the Euro 2016 Group C match between Ukraine and Northern Ireland on July 16, 2016
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