McIlroy takes to Stockport while IFA take stock

Irish news: Sammy McIlroy has been appointed manager of Second Division Stockport after abandoning his role as Northern Ireland coach.

The former Manchester United midfielder has joined the Edgeley Park club just five days after the end of Northern Ireland's disappointing Euro 2004 qualifying campaign.

The Irish finished bottom of Group Six having failed to win any of their eight matches, and went 1,242 minutes without scoring a goal under McIlroy, who resigned as coach of the national side yesterday morning.

McIlroy replaces caretaker manager John Hollins, who stood in following Carlton Palmer's dismissal last month. It is understood the Irish Football Association will meet inside the next two weeks to begin the process of appointing his successor.

There is no reason for the international committee to rush as Northern Ireland have a blank calendar after finishing bottom of their Euro 2004 qualifying group.

McIlroy was left frustrated by the retirement of key players like Neil Lennon, Jim Magilton, Kevin Horlock and Gerry Taggart. He was also angered at the constant raft of withdrawals during his time in charge.

There is already speculation as to the candidates for the job, which is among the toughest in world football.

Iain Dowie, Danny Wilson, Jimmy Quinn and Jimmy Nicholl are among the names that are being suggested.

Northern Ireland midfielder Michael Hughes said he was shocked to hear that McIlroy had quit.

"People will look at our results and not know the whole truth. There are good signs we are progressing and improving," he said.

Meanwhile, the decision not to renew Irish defender Robbie Ryan's contract looks to have been a contributing factor in the departure of Millwall manager Mark McGhee.

Dennis Wise will take temporary charge of Millwall this weekend after unrest among players and supporters at the New Den brought down McGhee and assistant Archie Knox.

Wise, who will be assisted by Ray Wilkins, chaired a players' meeting following a 1-0 home defeat to Preston last night which left fans calling for McGhee's head, and hours later chairman Theo Paphitis terminated McGhee and Knox's contracts "by mutual consent".

Defender Stuart Nethercott suggested frustration at the way McGhee has kept several players with contracts up next summer sweating on their future could have led to his downfall.

Nethercott said: "The manager and Archie had their say after the game and then the players wanted their say together.

"The contract situation was discussed. There are eight or nine of us out of contract and we haven't got a clue what will happen to us. There could have been ill-feeling with Mark about that."

Significantly, the axe fell just days after McGhee had told popular and long-serving defenders Ryan and Matt Lawrence they could leave the club.

Nethercott said: "Robbie Ryan has been different class for this club and he can't even the get in the squad.

"There was a lot of uncertainty at the club. It's a big thing to have hanging over us. It was always in the background."

Ryan (27), won a bronze medal at the World Youth Cup and made the fringes of the senior squad during the final months of Mick McCarthy's reign.