Michael McArdle has been appointed as the new manager of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team.
McArdle will join from the Scottish FA where he held the post of Head of Elite Women’s Football.
The Glaswegian brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the role, including 17 years in the professional game in Scotland. During that time he has held a range of positions, including head coach, interim head coach, assistant coach and academy or programme leader across elite clubs and development programmes.
He has been involved in around 200 senior matches across the men’s and women’s professional game in Scotland and has also gained international coaching experience over the past three years.
Recognised as a collaborative leader, McArdle’s strengths lie in player development, building high performance environments and supporting players as they transition to senior and international football.
His appointment comes at an exciting time for the women’s game in Northern Ireland, with a new generation of emerging talent progressing through the national pathway and the delivery of Together We Thrive, the Irish Football Association’s women’s and girls’ strategy.
McArdle, who starts his new role on 1 April, revealed: “History and ambition both attracted me to this role, alongside a strong alignment of values and the challenge ahead.
“The people I met throughout the recruitment process – Angela, Aaron and the wider team – already reflected a real family feeling.”
McArdle said it was an honour for both himself and his family to serve the Irish FA and the girls’ and women’s game in Northern Ireland.
He continued: “This is a group in transition, with exciting young talent developing at international level while remaining competitive. There is a good balance of experience alongside a generation of players currently breaking through, and I want to support them with the elite level structures needed to turn that potential into a consistent national standard.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the players and serving our game. International windows offer limited time together, so it will be important to maximise those moments to instil our core principles while also supporting player development between camps alongside clubs and national programmes.”
He said his aim was to help bridge the gap between club success and the unique demands of international football, where technical precision and mental resilience under pressure are vital.
And he added: “Supporters can expect a team that is disciplined, brave in possession and relentless without the ball, continuing to reflect the hard-working character that defines Northern Ireland teams.”
Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish FA, said: “We are excited to confirm this appointment and welcome Michael to the Irish FA. His leadership and knowledge of the game in Northern Ireland, alongside his proven track record in developing players, was clear throughout the recruitment process.
“We are confident he will be an excellent cultural fit for both the team and the wider association, particularly in supporting the ambitions set out in our Together We Thrive women’s and girls’ strategy. I am really looking forward to working with him.
“I would like to place on record my thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the Association, to our interim manager Kris Lindsay, who has delivered our first senior women’s camp of 2026 with diligence and professionalism.”
Aaron Hughes, Technical Director at the Irish FA, said the association is confident that McArdle brings the experience and expertise required to further develop the senior women’s team.
He added: “His ability to build a clear footballing pathway, align the work of our youth and senior programmes, and create an environment where players can continue to progress and perform at the highest level will be invaluable.”
Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive of the Irish FA, said: “We welcome Michael to the Irish FA with great optimism. The emerging young talent within our pathway makes this a significant appointment, but it also represents a tremendous opportunity for both Michael and our women’s game, which continues to go from strength to strength.”
Conrad Kirkwood, President of the Irish FA, pointed out: “Michael will take a holistic approach to the role, working not only with the senior team but also supporting the development of players across the pathway, helping them progress towards representing Northern Ireland at the highest level of the women’s game. I believe he will be a tremendous asset to the association.”
The new manager also had a message for the fans.
McArdle said: “My message to the fans is that I know how important your support is to the success of the team. The players always give everything to make you proud, and I look forward to doing the same, feeling that GAWA energy behind us as we continue our journey together.”
