CONFIRMED: O'Neill to take over at Stoke
But IFA says he will still manage Northern Ireland for forthcoming Euros and any potential play-offs
Last updated 8th Nov 2019
The Irish FA confirmed today (Friday) that Michael O’Neill is stepping down as Northern Ireland boss to manage Stoke City.
He will take charge of the Championship strugglers rightaway.
They take on Barnsley tomorrow in a crunch bottom-of-the table clash.
In between looking after his new club, he will manage the final two Euro Qualfiers, starting with Netherlands next weekend – and then Germany three days later.
O'Neill put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal.
It is believed he will double his annual salary to around £1.5m
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: “We reluctantly agreed to allow Stoke to talk to Michael after they met the compensation requirements. Michael has now agreed terms with the EFL Championship club.
“Naturally, we are extremely disappointed that Michael is leaving us, however we are delighted all parties have agreed Michael will be in charge of the Northern Ireland team for the games against Netherlands and Germany and potential Euro 2020 play-off matches in March.
“Everyone in the GAWA family is grateful for Michael’s inspirational contribution over the past eight years. After a difficult start to his managerial reign with Northern Ireland he honed an excellent squad and took us to the Round of 16 at Euro 2016, our first major tournament in 30 years. And, of course, he also took us to a play-off for World Cup Russia 2018 and the team have performed extremely well during the Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
“He has instilled incredible belief among our players and inspired countless young people to play football and aspire to play for Northern Ireland. He has also given our wonderful fans plenty to cheer about in recent years."