Arabic version: القيم العائلية تقود مدرب أيرلندا الشمالية ماكاردل

According to BBC News, Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle says family is central to his approach as he prepares his side for a World Cup play-off against Portugal. The Scot was appointed Tanya Oxtoby’s permanent successor in March and has won two of his four matches in charge.

McArdle, who has more than 25 years of experience in football, said the idea of family extends beyond his home life to the national set-up, its staff, players, domestic game and wider football ecosystem. “We’re all the one family when we’re together,” he said.

Northern Ireland face a demanding route to a first World Cup in Brazil. If they beat Portugal over two legs, they will meet Croatia or, more likely, Iceland, and could then face an inter-continental play-off in February because of their rankings. McArdle said the team must balance its dreams with the reality of a “highly challenging task”.

His squad is young and has been affected by injuries to senior players. Captain Simone Magill will miss the play-offs but will join the camp while building towards a return after the birth of her daughter, Skye. McArdle said supporting players’ families is important and that Magill, her partner Mark and Skye being with the group will be “special”.

Born and raised in Moodiesburn, east of Glasgow, McArdle still lives in the village with his wife Tammy. They met on a paper round at age 12 and have been married for 28 years. McArdle said the values learned in his community, alongside time with his children Connor, Mya and Cole, continue to fuel his work in football.