The Irish Football Association remained officially hopeful yesterday that Lawrie Sanchez would reconsider his decision to resign as manager of Northern Ireland but there is a private acceptance in Belfast that next month's Euro 2008 qualifier in Denmark will be overseen by a different management structure.

Who it features will become the focus as the days elapse but there seems little chance that Sanchez will be in Copenhagen. The 46-year-old has not spoken publicly yet, so there is no explanation for his verbal resignation after Northern Ireland's 3-2 victory over Spain on Wednesday.

What is known is that Sanchez has been dismayed by his relationship with the local media and that a club job in England would appeal to him. Sanchez is also aware that after beating Spain and England it is difficult to do consistently much more with the players at his disposal.

The IFA have said in a statement that their president, Jim Boyce, spoke with Sanchez yesterday but gave no details and declined to comment on rumours that Sanchez is to quit.

"The president had a long and amicable, private conversation with Lawrie Sanchez (who) has assured Jim Boyce that early next week he will be in contact with the IFA and the IFA president is hopeful that this matter can be resolved," it said.

l Guardian Service