Interview: IFA chief executive Howard Wells

Interview: David Healey

By Richard Petrie BBC Sport

Sanchez's appointment got a lukewarm response

The complex relationship between Lawrie Sanchez and the media took another twist when the Northern Ireland boss failed to appear at a post-match news conference after his side's dramatic 3-2 win over Spain.

While harsh criticism was the order of the day following the 3-0 defeat by Iceland in the opening Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday, plaudits awaited the ex-Wycombe manager for masterminding another famous victory at Windsor Park against Spain.

A year ago Sanchez was basking in the glory of a 1-0 success over England, which was as welcome for the country's long-suffering fans as it was unexpected.

This time the Northern Ireland boss refused to give interviews after repeating the dose against the startled Spaniards, with IFA chief executive Howard Wells citing "personal reasons" for his non-appearance.

Many fans concluded that criticism after the defeat by Iceland was to blame for the snub although it also emerged that Sanchez had suffered a family bereavement.

Sanchez's appointment as national team coach at the start of 2004 was greeted with a lukewarm response from both media and supporters in the province.

Despite having won three caps for Northern Ireland, most, it seems, would have preferred someone with more homegrown roots to have occupied the post, such as former Raith boss Jimmy Nicholl.

Sanchez was regarded as English, and fans had unpleasant memories of the unsuccessful reign of a previous import Lawrie McMenemy, so the prospect of another Englishman and another Lawrie was met with little enthusiasm.

The fact that the subsequent stewardship of former Northern Ireland World Cup hero Sammy McIlroy had proved even more disastrous seemed to matter little.

The ending of a 13-match run without a goal and improved results boosted Sanchez's standing and restored pride with both fans and hacks, and last year's win over England ensured his place in national folklore.

But since then, the relationship between the media and the former Wimbledon FA Cup winning hero has deteriorated.

Some took a dim view of his being linked to a number of English clubs, including Premiership Portsmouth, while under contract with the IFA.

Stephen Craigan looks dejected during Saturday's defeat by Iceland

Press reports about players not being paid adequately appeared during the summer tour to the USA but were promptly rubbished by the national association.

For the friendly against Finland in August, the press was asked to stay at a different hotel from the team, but an encouraging 2-1 win mostly made up for that.

Press conferences, which had a habit of being fairly relaxed, started to become more tense affairs, and Sanchez failed to appear after the defeat to Iceland.

The boss' cause was not helped when he appeared to blame the media for over-hyping his side's chances after Saturday's debacle.

He rightly also pointed the finger at his players for defensive lapses but until Monday evening had not publicly accepted any blame for his own tactical mistakes.

The criticism expressed in the media was echoed by supporters who booed the side off at half-time in the Icelandic encounter, but the fans have been largely won over by those two unforgettable September nights.

Sanchez's reign has certainly been a rollercoaster ride, and followers have been left asking if the real Northern Ireland would please stand up.

A fall-out with West Ham defender George McCartney and disciplinary action against midfielders Philip Mulryne and Jeff Whitley depleted the squad but most reckon the manager is doing well on very limited resources.