Lawrie Sanchez has resigned as Northern Ireland with immediate effect to take charge of Fulham as their full-time manager.

Fulham Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has rewarded Sanchez for steering the club to Barclay’s Premiership safety by appointing him full-time manager on an “indefinate rolling contract”.

Sanchez, who replaced Chris Coleman at Craven Cottage as caretaker manager, secured four points from the past four games. He said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to manage Fulham and I am looking forward to the new season and the challenges that lie ahead.

“During my last month or so at Fulham I became enthused by working daily with players on the training pitch, and the satisfaction that I felt at seeing the end result on a weekly basis.

“The club has an incredibly professional infrastructure worthy of its Premiership status and it is my aim to finish higher than we have before, and to bring the success that the chairman and the supporters deserve for their continued commitment.

“Obviously it is disappointing to not be taking Northern Ireland to the European Championships, but having discussed this at length with the chairman of the board, I understand the importance of focusing solely on the task ahead, and believe that the trust placed in me at this time needs to be repaid with 100% commitment.”

He concluded: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the helm of Northern Ireland, and would like to thank everyone involved in that set up for their support of me and wish them every success.”

In a statement, the IFA said: “We would be the first to congratulate him on his appointment as their new manager and to recognise the outstanding job he has done for Northern Ireland football and the IFA.”

(JM/SP)