Hybrid, a leader and wrestling - get to know NI boss McArdle

When the announcement was made that Michael McArdle was the new Northern Ireland boss, few fans had heard of the former Scottish manager.

The Glaswegian was revealed as Tanya Oxtoby's replacement in March after she left to become first team coach at Newcastle United in November.

McArdle will aim to guide Northern Ireland to their first World Cup with his opening task the double header qualifier against Malta.

With Tuesday's game at Mourneview just around the corner, BBC Sport NI takes a look at what we know so far about the new NI boss.

Hybrid approach

Just like Michael O'Neill, McArdle will be based in Scotland during his tenure as Northern Ireland manager.

McArdle, who took charge of Scotland for four matches last year on an interim basis, will remain in Glasgow - a decision he believes will help NI.

"The benefit is because a lot of girls are playing in the domestic game in the UK, I am in a good position to stay in Scotland and watch some of the girls play," McArdle said.

17 players of the last NI squad play their football in England or Scotland with just five based in Northern Ireland, four from Glentoran and one from Linfield.

However, he added he will also make effort to watch those who play in the Irish Premiership as well.

"I'll be around NIFL [Women's Premiership] quite a lot on a Friday evenings, and also speaking to players a lot in between camps as well."

Coaching staff to remain mostly the same

Image caption,

Kris Lindsay has returned to his role as Northern Ireland men's under-16 boss.

Following Oxtoby's departure, Kris Lindsay was appointed as interim NI boss before McArdle became the Australian's permanent successor.

McArdle is set to keep the majority of the coaching staff the same as he looks to build momentum ahead of the Malta double header.

"I am blessed that there is a strong team here already," he continued.

"Kris has been great with me over the last week or so in sharing a lot from the previous window

"So, I don't see many changes at all. There will need to be one or two members added but at the moment there is a great team that is already there.

"That is why my skills align, I develop players and coaches and I develop myself through that."

McArdle 'the right fit'

During his time at the helm so far, McArdle has been heavily involved throughout the women's international set-up and travelled over to meet the Under-17 squad ahead of the upcoming U17 European Championships in Northern Ireland in May.

Director of Women's football Angela Platt believes that he is the correct choice as Northern Ireland aim to recover from a blip in their form.

The side have not scored in their past four games and are without a win in six fixtures.

"It takes time to get the right person," Platt told BBC Sport NI.

"From my perspective, this is a thorough process which took a little bit of time, but we were certain we wanted to get the right fit.

"We certainly believe we have gotten the right fit with Michael, and I am really looking forward to working with him on this journey."

'A serving leader'

McArdle was also head of strategic development of the elite pathway for the girls' and women's game during his time at the Scottish FA.

He has plenty of experience and has demonstrated his belief in the younger generation by creating a new Under-23s programme and a new Academy programme.

McArdle believes that he is a "serving" leader and that he can change his plan depending on the situation.

"Leadership style, I am a serving leader. I serve the players and understand what the players needs are to develop to the highest level

"I am also a tactical leader when it comes to the football side of things looking for an agile approach when trying to manoeuvre League B and get prepared for a play-off.

"Tactically, I am quite flexible."

Not afraid to give younger players a chance

Image caption,

Chambers moved from Sion Swifts to Linfield in 2024

During his first squad announcement as Northern Ireland manager, McArdle included the uncapped Cora Chambers.

The Linfield forward netted 20 league goals for the Blues last year and has scored 39 goals in 47 appearances since making the move to the club from Sion Swifts in 2024.

"While Simone [Magill] isn't available to us, it's really important that we look at the strength and depth in the frontlines and everyone contributing to goals, not just the frontline players," McArdle said.

"Our last goal was last June so it's getting that goalscoring feeling again and getting the top end of the pitch flowing and hopefully Cora and the other players can all contribute to that."

He has also included teenager Kascie Weir, who as impressed since making the jump to the senior set-up.

Hearts' Keri Halliday may also make an appearance during the double header against Malta.

A man of many talents

Not very often a manager needs to be prepared for a wrestle on the sidelines.

However, if the opportunity arises, McArdle will be prepared as, growing up, the Scot was a keen wrestler.

"As a teenager I was a Great British Champion at wrestling, pit style wrestling," he continued.

"Slightly different and obscure when it comes to sport!

"The knees are away now but it was Olympic freestyle I was interested in."