In his career in football, McArdle has held a number of coaching, academy and development positions.
Before he joined Northern Ireland, he was head of elite women’s football at the Scottish FA, and also had a brief interim spell in charge of their senior team.
While the belief is there, McArdle knows he is working on something longer-term, and that can be seen in the make-up of a young squad, which has been hit by a number of injuries to senior players.
While his first two international windows came in quick succession, with two victories over Malta followed by losses to Turkey and Switzerland, the summer has allowed him to spend time around the Women’s Premiership in Northern Ireland, building relationships with players and those working in the league.
“I was still getting to know them as people, not as footballers, so that was really important for me to build those relationships.
“Not just the players, either. Getting to know the head coaches a bit more and some of the clubs at boardroom level, to understand how can I serve them and help the club evolution, the domestic league and pathways as well.”
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