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Gareth Fullerton

Irish FA provides update on search for new Northern Ireland Women's manager

Gail Redmond will manage Northern Ireland Women's team for next month's friendlies as the Irish FA continues its search for a new permanent boss.

The association said on Friday that the recruitment process is still ongoing after missing out on one "suitable candidate".

The senior women's team has been without a manager since Kenny Shiels left the role back in January.

Read more: Forgotten Northern Ireland striker tipped to be success in National League

During Shiels' reign Northern Ireland created history by qualifying for a first ever major finals when they played at the 2022 Euros in England.

IFA Director of Women’s Football Angela Platt says it is imperative the right person is found for the role.

She said: “The journey our senior women’s team has taken football fans in Northern Ireland on in recent years has been exhilarating. This time last year we were preparing to compete at our first ever major tournament, the UEFA Women’s Euro in England, followed by a victory against Italy to close off the year.

“We have proved we can compete with Europe’s elite and everyone connected to the team and across the wider association is determined to maintain this level of performance.”

The Director of Women’s Football has been working closely with the association’s Technical Director, Aaron Hughes, to appoint a new senior women’s team manager who can help bring the team into "an exciting new phase".

She added: “We have been working hard on this for several months and had identified a suitable candidate. Unfortunately, this individual has accepted an offer elsewhere and more suited to their personal circumstances.

“Whilst this is disappointing, the process has helped us crystallize exactly what we are looking for in a manager and we will now re-double our efforts to ensure we have someone in place to lead us into the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign in September.

“In the interim, Gail Redmond, manager of our women’s Under-17 and U19 teams, will lead the senior team for two friendly fixtures next month whilst this process continues. Gail has a wealth of experience in the women’s game and has a great rapport with the players.”

Northern Ireland are due to play Scotland in an international challenge match on 14 July at the Kilmac Stadium (Dens Park) in Dundee followed by another away game which is due to be confirmed later on Friday.

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