New Manager of Northern Ireland Women is Michael McArdle

Michael McArdle has been appointed as the new manager of Northern Ireland Women.

He brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the role, joining from the Scottish FA where he held the post of Head of Elite Women’s Football.

He has been involved in around 200 senior matches across the men’s and women’s professional game in Scotland and has also gained international coaching experience over the past three years.

McArdle, who starts his new role on 1 April, told irishfa.com: “History and ambition both attracted me to this role, alongside a strong alignment of values and the challenge ahead.

“This is a group in transition, with exciting young talent developing at international level while remaining competitive. There is a good balance of experience alongside a generation of players currently breaking through, and I want to support them with the elite level structures needed to turn that potential into a consistent national standard.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the players and serving our game. International windows offer limited time together, so it will be important to maximise those moments to instil our core principles while also supporting player development between camps alongside clubs and national programmes.”

Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish FA, said: “We are excited to confirm this appointment and welcome Michael to the Irish FA. His leadership and knowledge of the game in Northern Ireland, alongside his proven track record in developing players, was clear throughout the recruitment process.

“We are confident he will be an excellent cultural fit for both the team and the wider association, particularly in supporting the ambitions set out in our Together We Thrive women’s and girls’ strategy. I am really looking forward to working with him.”