He parts company with Northern Ireland in with a chance of participating in their first major tournament in over 20 years.

They overtook Sweden at the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group in March thanks to a glorious victory against Lars Lagerback’s side at Windsor Park.

Now the search is on by the Irish Football Association for a new manager before the squad assemble again in August for the qualifier against Liechtenstein.

IFA chief executive Wells told BBC Radio Ulster: “I think we will find there is more interest in the job now than when Lawrie took it on.

“That is testimony to the work he has done.

“He has done an excellent job for us, he is a talented guy and we should recognise that.

“Irish football in the north is seriously better off and significantly better off for his contribution and effort.”

Sanchez arrived in January 2004 after leading unsung Wycombe to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Under the former Wimbledon midfielder’s stewardship, Northern Ireland rose from being a team that went 1298 minutes without scoring to one currently ranked 33 in the world.

Sweden were not the only team to suffer at Windsor Park. England and Spain also left with their reputations in tatters after inglorious defeats.

Sanchez made Leeds striker David Healy the focal point of the team and that proved to be a masterstroke.

He shrugged off his indifferent form in the Coca-Cola Championship to score nine goals in the qualifying campaign, bringing his total to 29 in 56 international appearances.

According to Wells, Sanchez had little option but to move to Fulham once the chance came.

However there is likely to be a compensation issue between club and country as he was contracted until the end of their involvement in the European Championship.

Wells, though, was in no mood to be bitter.

He said: “Lawrie has to weigh up his personal future against the background of a lifetime opportunity and how that stacks up.

“I hope we will look at this pragmatically and sensibly.”