Northern Ireland: O'Neill aiming to repeat success of first spell
Michael O'Neill has signed a 5-and-a-half-year contract to return to the job
Michael O'Neill has returned for a second spell as Northern Ireland Manager on a five-and-a-half year contract.
The 53-year-old was unveiled at a press conference this afternoon at Windsor Park. The former Stoke City boss - who left that role in August of this year - takes over from Ian Baraclough, who departed the international set-up at the end of October.
Michael said today: “I am delighted to be the Northern Ireland senior men’s team manager. I am excited to see what can be achieved with this group of players and can’t wait to be in front of the Green and White Army at the National Stadium once again."
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood applauded O’Neill’s return to the hotseat.
He said: “I believe Michael is the right man for the job. He comes to the role this time with the benefit of even more experience at both international and domestic level, which will have only added to his skill set and experience.
“With a positive Euro 2024 qualifying draw I have no doubt the Green and White Army will get behind him and his team.”
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: “Michael is back and here for the long run. We are focused immediately on the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which starts in March 2023, but beyond that there is so much to look forward to, including the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament where we will hopefully be co-hosting as part of a successful UK and Ireland bid.”
And Irish FA Chairman Stephen Martin added: “I am very pleased with the appointment and extend a warm welcome back to Michael. With a busy and important 2023 on the horizon, consisting of 10 European qualifying matches, the board and I look forward to working with him, and supporting, his staff and players. These are exciting times.”