Lawrie Sanchez admitted it was a wrench to end his triumphant spell as Northern Ireland coach but insisted he could not resist the draw of managing Fulham full-time.

Sanchez's temporary stewardship at Craven Cottage was yesterday made permanent with the club rewarding his success in keeping them in the top flight with a rolling one-year contract.

The 47-year-old had hoped to combine his two roles but Fulham issued a 'them-or-us' ultimatum that, given his ambition of managing in the Barclays Premiership, left him with no other choice.

He leaves Northern Ireland, who top their Euro 2008 qualifying group and sit 33rd in the world rankings, on a high but knew the time was right to move on.

''I am sad that after three-and-a-half years and seeing Northern Ireland to the top of the group it's come to this,'' he said.

''I had lots of discussions with Fulham and it became evident that I had to concentrate on one job. I can understand that.

''The Premiership is the show because there's a lot of money involved at this level.

''If anything went wrong with one or the other, I'd be blamed for not concentrating on either.

''The compelling reason was you have to give 100 per cent commitment or else you get caught between two stalls.

''I wanted to manage here so I had to make the decision. Northern Ireland would have accepted me doing both roles but Fulham would be my main employer, so it was up to them.

''I was perhaps a little bit naive to think they could be done together but now the decision has been made I'm very pleased to be Fulham manager.

''I have great affection for Northern Ireland and I wish them all the best for the future. Whoever takes over that job will have a fantastic position.

"They are currently at the top of their group with their highest ranking ever."