Nicholl labels IFA 'amateurs'

Jimmy Nicholl described the appointment process as a "joke".

Jimmy Nicholl has labelled the Irish Football Association "amateurs" after being overlooked for the Northern Ireland job.

Dunfermline assistant Nicholl lost out to Lawrie Sanchez for the international role after being unable to agree terms with the IFA.

However, Nicholl has described the appointment process as a "joke".

"But at least I'm back with professional people here and not dealing with amateurs," said Nicholl.

The Dunfermline assistant claimed the IFA had wasted his time by shortlisting him for the job when it was obvious that they wouldn't be able to match his terms.

"I shouldn't have been in the interview room. It was a joke they way it was handled," he told BBC Scotland's Sportscene programme.

"They told me on Tuesday that I had the job but under their terms.

"I couldn't do it, the gap was too big even though I was prepared to make a financial sacrifice to land the job.

We offered Jimmy Nicholl the best terms we could possibly offer him IFA president Jim Boyce

"They knew my financial situation here and I'm not talking about compensation that Dunfermline were seeking because it never even got to that stage.

"Providing for my family is more important that managing Northern Ireland, the way it was put to me."

Nicholl insisted that he was happy to remain on at Dunfermline even though he remained aggrieved at the way the Northern Ireland appointment was handled.

In response, IFA president Jim Boyce said he was "disappointed" with Nicholl's comments.

"Jimmy had more than an opportunity if he wanted to become Northern Ireland manager," said Boyce.

"He was offered the job but at the end of the day, we are running a business.

"We offered Jimmy Nicholl the best terms we could possibly offer him.

"All I would want to say now is to wish Jimmy Nicholl all the best for the future."