'I’m delighted to be given this chance': Kris Lindsay to take charge of Northern Ireland Women on interim basis
Kris Lindsay says it is “a privilege” to be given the reins as Northern Ireland women’s team manager for their opening two games in World Cup qualifying.
Lindsay has been given the role on an interim basis and will be in the dugout as the Green and White Army face Switzerland away on March 3 and then host Turkiye four days later.
The Irish Football Association say Lindsay’s appointment will give them time to appoint Tanya Oxtoby’s successor, who stepped away from the role back in November.
Lindsay has previous managerial experience from his time at Dungannon Swifts and he is currently the manager of Northern Ireland’s Under-16 men’s team.
Upon taking up his latest challenge, Lindsay said: “Managing your country at any level is a privilege and I’m delighted to be given this chance.
“I have followed the senior women’s team for some time. They have a fantastic leadership group and my role will simply be to add where I can.
“These are two tough games to kick off our World Cup campaign and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish Football Association, said the interim arrangement with Lindsay would allow the recruitment process for a permanent manager to be conducted thoroughly.
She explained: “Following Tanya stepping aside, it was important that we took the appropriate time to reflect and fully assess what the next phase for the senior women’s team should look like.
"That included building on the strong foundations established during her tenure and the significant work ongoing across the wider association.
“From the outset we were clear that appointing a senior international head coach is a significant and complex decision, and one that requires proper time and diligence.
"Our focus has been on clearly defining the needs, ambitions and long-term vision for the programme to ensure the next appointment is aligned with where we want the team to go, rather than being driven by short-term pressures.”
Platt added that Lindsay’s interim appointment will provide day-to-day leadership and focus for the squad “without in any way detracting from or diluting the permanent recruitment process”.