I’ll make parents proud

Sunday Mail 63

Ian Baraclough f illed up with emotion speaking about his father’s pride after being appointed Northern Ireland manager.

The former Motherwell boss lost his mum at an early age and was brought up as the youngest of five brothers by his dad.

The 49-year-old has taken charge of Scunthorpe, Sligo Rovers, Motherwell and the Northern Ireland Under-21s but his highlight is now replacing Michael O’Neill.

That’s a tough ask after O’Neill led the country to the Euro 2016 f inals, but Baraclough getting over his mother’s death when he was a kid was harder.

Baraclough said: “My dad is someone who has had to deal with a great amount. He brought five boys up after losing my mum.”

With tears in his eyes, Baraclough continued: “I know how proud my mum would have been. She loved football as well and I’ve wanted to be the best I could be.

“For my dad to be able to see me now managing Northern Ireland, he’s