Family, football and Dalglish - what drives NI boss McArdle?

Michael McArdle, newly appointed Northern Ireland boss, says “family” is the key theme guiding his approach as he prepares to manage the World Cup play-off against Portugal—described as the biggest match of his managerial career so far. Announced as Tanya Oxtoby’s permanent successor in March, he has more than 25 years of football experience and is balancing the challenge of taking on one of Europe’s top-ranked sides with the ambition of reaching a first World Cup. The Scot, born in Moodiesburn near Glasgow, has been married to Tammy for 28 years and has three children, with his first grandchild expected. He frames Northern Ireland as one “family” of players and staff, and notes that surviving the tie against Portugal is only the first step toward potential opponents such as Croatia or Iceland.