John Schofield leaves post as Northern Ireland U21 boss after Euro 2023 failure

John Schofield has stepped down as manager of Northern Ireland Under-21s following the team's failure to qualify for Euro 2023.

Barnsley-born Schofield took on the role in July 2021, having previously been a part-time assistant coach.

Northern Ireland finished third in qualifying Group C for this year’s European Under-21 Championship in Georgia and Romania, well adrift of table-toppers Spain and second-placed Slovakia.

"I am, of course, disappointed to be leaving, however I am comforted by the fact that I have contributed to the development of players and helped them gain invaluable experience in their own journeys," Schofield said in a statement on the Irish Football Association website.