Applicants anonymous for Northern Ireland job
Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce insists they will respect the privacy of all applicants for the position of national team manager.
Lawrie Sanchez recently stepped down from his role to take the reigns at Fulham in a full-time capacity, leaving Northern Ireland in a position of strength in the European Championship qualifiers but with a major headache in terms of finding a replacement.
Boyce refused to discuss names – but confirmed Dave Beasant is not in contention because he is expected to sign a new coaching deal with Fulham.
Boyce told Sky Sports News: “We are making substantial progress. The people we’ve spoken to deserve privacy and many of them have expressed that.
“As far as the IFA are concerned, when we announce the new management team, we certainly will not name the others we have spoken to.
“We’re hoping, when the new manager is appointed, the Northern Ireland fans get behind the new manager and give every encouragement to him.
“We’d like to get it done as soon as possible, and we are making progress.”
Beasant, 47, has been part of the Irish coaching staff on a match-to-match basis for the past three-and-a-half years under Sanchez.
But following Sanchez’s decision to remain at Fulham after leading the Cottagers to Barclays Premiership survival, Beasant is reported to be an outside contender for the job behind Iain Dowie, Jimmy Nicholl, Nigel Worthington, Jim Magilton, Danny Wilson, Gerry Armstrong and Colin Clarke.
But he told PA Sport: “I didn’t know I had even been mentioned.
“I think what they are trying to do is keep the continuity with Northern Ireland.
“I don’t know what managers have been linked with the job, but it’s now an attractive job.”
Beasant also hailed the impact of Sanchez, who took over from Sammy McIlroy in January 2004 and then guided Northern Ireland from 124th in the world rankings to 33rd, and to the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group.
“When Lawrie took over, it wasn’t as attractive,” he added.
“The results they had before Lawrie took over weren’t too pleasing, but since then we have given ourselves a chance to qualify for tournaments.
“It was a country that didn’t look like it was going to progress in many competitions, but now we’ve got the players believing and the fans as well.”
Beasant was Sanchez’s first appointment on his arrival at Craven Cottage, having balanced the same role under predecessor Chris Coleman with his international responsibilities.
“If Fulham allowed us to do it on a similar basis as I was doing last season, I would like to continue,” he said.
