MICHAEL O’NEILL has quit as Northern Ireland boss to take full-time charge of Stoke after the Euro play-offs were delayed.
The Northern Irishman took charge of the Potters last November but remained coach of his country in order to see out the qualifiers.
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Michael O’Neill has quit as Northern Ireland manager
The Northern Irishman will now take full time charge of Stoke
The Green and Whites were set to take on Bosnia and Herzogovina in the play-off in March but after coronavirus saw Euro 2020 postponed until next summer, it is not likely to take place until September or October.
In a statement, O’Neill – who was appointed in December 2011 – said: “After careful consideration and following discussions with the Irish FA I feel it is only fair that now is the right time for me to step aside.
“I would have loved the opportunity to manage Northern Ireland in the Uefa Euro 2020 play-off game against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the chance to qualify for another major tournament, but the current situation means that this is no longer possible.
“It was important to leave the association and team in the strongest possible shape in order to not only have the best chance of qualifying for Euro 2021, but allow the new manager time to build upon the success that we have had during my eight-year tenure.
“Throughout my time here, I have been fortunate to have worked with many great coaching, medical and support staff who have all contributed to our successes and shared in some great moments.
“As for my players, past and present, I would like to thank them all for an overwhelming level of commitment and professionalism that has helped to deliver so many unforgettable highs and great experiences for us all.
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“I would also like to thank everyone at the Irish FA who have made the job a wonderful experience.
“Finally, to the fans, thank you.
“It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to manage my country and I will treasure my time as manager of Northern Ireland forever.
“The support you have provided myself and the team over the years has been incredibly humbling.”
O’Neill was the fourth longest serving international manager in Europe after Germany’s Joachim Low, Andorra’s Koldo and Luxembourg’s Luc Holtz.
And he saw Northern Ireland qualify for Euro 2016 in France – the first major tournament they had reached in 30 years.
Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson said: “It is within a unique set of circumstances that we bring our unforgettable chapter with Michael O’Neill to a close.
“His time as manager, as well as chief football officer at the Irish FA, will be remembered as some of the headiest for our fans and most successful for our players.
O’Neill took charge of his country in December 2011
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
