Northern Ireland star 'really excited' to work with new manager ahead of World Cup qualifier
Northern Ireland defender Ellie Mason admits the whole squad “are really excited to get to know” new manager Michael McArdle as he prepares to take charge for the first time in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Malta at Mourneview Park.
McArdle was named as Tanya Oxtoby’s permanent successor last month having joined from the Scottish FA, where he held the post of Head of Elite Women’s Football.
He also served as Scotland women’s interim manager during their 2025 Nations League campaign and has been involved in coaching for 25 years.
Following Oxtoby’s exit to Newcastle United Women, former Dungannon Swifts chief Kris Lindsay took charge of Northern Ireland’s first two matches of their World Cup qualification run – they suffered consecutive defeats to Switzerland and Turkiye.
With the top three teams in League B Group Two sealing spots in a play-off, Northern Ireland will hope to pick up a maiden victory when Malta, who are also winless, visit Lurgan.
It’s the start of a new era for the nation under McArdle and Charlton defender Mason is excited to get going.
"Michael brings a lot of experience in, so we are all really excited to get to know him and get out on the pitch," Mason told BBC Sport NI. "It is always good to have someone come in with new experiences and challenges.
"We know how important these next two games are, so we are going to continue to train hard and go from there."
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil next summer and McArdle insists Northern Ireland should strive to be playing on the biggest stages.
"We should always dream and strive to be there,” he told BBC Sport NI. “It is then the job of me and the players and staff to do our best to get there.
"A big piece is if we achieve it, can we do it consistently? That is why the future and alignment is crucial, so we do not just achieve luckily, but we earn that right and do it the right way to do it consistently.
"We are looking at six points and have to have that expectation of ourselves, hopefully at the close of that window, we work well and earn those six points. The next window will be the crucial one for us to hopefully target second place."