jobs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool No2 Pep Lijnders lands management job with club set to play in major tournament Klopp couldn’t qualify for

      by

      LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager has landed a new job as boss of a club set to compete in a competition Jurgen Klopp couldn’t qualify for.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders (left) has landed a new job in AustriaCredit: PAThe two men will both bid farewell to Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, while Klopp is set to make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.Pepijn Lijnders, will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool this weekend.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Lijnders said: “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”Lijnders initially worked at Liverpool from 2014 as U16s coach but then stepped up to be first-team development coach in 2015.Working initially under Brendan Rodgers, he remained in his role under Klopp before the Dutchman headed for a one-year spell as boss at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland.What they have said about Arne SlotHere’s what the experts think about Klopp’s replacement:
      MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
      “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
      “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
      “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
      SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
      “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
      “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
      “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
      Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
      “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
      “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
      Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
      “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
      “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

      But Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and played a key role in Klopp’s success.Liverpool were denied a place at the expanded 2025 Club World Cup while Arsenal also missed out after they were eliminated from the Champions League.Fifa decided that no more than two teams per country would be guaranteed participation in the controversial 32-team event with Man City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.Each Champions League winner from the period between 2021 and 2024 qualifies, meaning the 2023 and 2021 winners both make the cut.That ruled out the Kopites, while Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part in it.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat by Bayern Munich in the quarters.Instead, their spot will go to RB Salzburg – who will have their new man at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.The second criteria is based on a club’s place in the Uefa Champions League coefficient over the same period, which is how Salzburg got in.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho ‘approached for shock job at European giants’ after four months unemployed

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has reported been approached to become the new manager of Fenerbahce.The Portuguese manager has been out of work since he was sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho is a reported target for FenerbahceCredit: RexMourinho would join former Man United ace Fred at the clubCredit: Times Newspapers LtdMourinho, 61, has since been linked with a host of jobs with roles in Saudi Arabia.However, he has remained a free agent and is yet to accept a new job.Reports in Turkey have now claimed that he has been “contacted” by Fenerbahce’s chairman Aziz Yildirim.It is suggested that Mourinho could be offered the chance to replace Ismail Kartal as manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould Mourinho accept the position he would be reunited with one former player Fred.The two worked together briefly at Old Trafford before Mourinho was sacked in December 2018.Fenerbahce is likely to finish second in the Turkish Super Lig, only behind Galatasaray.The club is six points behind their rivals with two games remaining in the league campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club will be in the Champions League next season as third-placed Trabzonspor can not catch them.Mourinho did enjoy some success at Roma as he led the club to the Europa Conference League trophy in 2022.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceBut he lost his job earlier this year following a dismal run of form and a string of outbursts.He was replaced by club legend Daniele De Rossi, who has helped the Rome-based club to 6th place and the Europa League semi-finals.Since being out of work, Mourinho has been racking his brain on new tactical innovations.Last month, he revealed that he believes a manager will one day not play with a goalkeeper as they attempt to score late on in a game.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘start work on NEXT Galactico transfer after Mbappe – but give Premier League clubs a year’s head start’

      by

      REAL MADRID have already started working on a massive transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.But Real aren’t planning to sign Wirtz, 21, before the summer of 2025 and have thus given the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool a year’s head start.Real Madrid are planning to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2025Credit: GettyReal Madrid target Wirtz as their next Galactico after Kylian MbappeCredit: AFPMan Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool also target Leverkusen star WirtzMbappe, 25, finally confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June after months of reports insisting the star forward has no plans to extend his seven-year stint at Parc des Princes.The star forward looks set to join Los Blancos as a free agent on a lucrative contract.And Real are already preparing the ground for their next Galactico signing with Wirtz posing as their favourite marquee signing for the 2025-26 season.According to Marca, the Spanish champions have begun work on acquiring the playmaker at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on FootballThat means United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as Mohamed Salah’s replacement, will have to work fast this summer or next January.This promises to be quite an intense bidding war with Bayern Munich also interested.The Germany international has set the world alight this season by starring for Xabi Alonso’ undefeated Leverkusen side.The German champions are targeting an unprecedented Treble triumph while enjoying a record 49-game unbeaten run across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Wirtz has stood out with a staggering total of 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 appearances.Real are famous for beating their competition in landing some of the world’s top young talent.England star Jude Bellingham speak in fluent spanish as Real Madrid parade LaLiga trophy leaving fans so ‘proud’Madrid proved it with the signings of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arne Slot will ‘move into Jurgen Klopp’s £4million house’ when Feyenoord manager takes the Liverpool job

      by

      ARNE SLOT is allegedly set to move into Jurgen Klopp’s house after taking over his job.Liverpool were rocked in January when the German announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool next week after nine years in chargeCredit: RexArne Slot is set to replace him and move into the German’s club houseCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are all-but over as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow the Daily Mirror has claimed that Slot will move into Klopp’s seven-bedroom house.They report that removal vans have been seen at Klopp’s home, which is worth around £4million and “in the exclusive village” of Formby in Merseyside.The mansion boasts three lounges, a home cinema, an indoor swimming pool plus a landscaped garden and is owned by the Premier League club.Liverpool bought it from their former manager Brendan Rodgers after he had previously purchased it from legendary ex captain Steven Gerrard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKlopp is said to have become a popular figure in Formby and “is often spotted in local pubs and restaurants” in the area.But now locals will be waiting to welcome Dutchman Slot to the area with him preparing to move in to the property.Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot snaps at reporters in press conference and threatens ‘this will be unpleasant’Klopp is now believed to be planning to spend time in Majorca once he departs Anfield.He bought a £3.4m house in Santa Ponsa two years ago and is set to enjoy some time off on the Spanish island.However, he can expect a call from his successor.Slot recently revealed that he planned to phone Klopp once he officially takes charge.He said: “It’s normal if you go to a new club that you contact the coach.“I did this at Feyenoord as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All the knowledge a person has from working a few years at the club, or nine in this case.”Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on Monday before finishing the campaign at home to Wolves, which will be Klopp’s last match in charge after nine years.What they have said about Arne Slot
      MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
      “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
      “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
      “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
      SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
      “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
      “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
      “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
      Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
      “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
      “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
      Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
      “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
      “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Under-fire Pochettino hints he could choose to QUIT Chelsea despite Boehly praise and ‘it won’t be end of the world’

      by

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO hinted he could choose to QUIT Chelsea at the end of the season and it “won’t be the end of the world”.The Blues manager cryptically admitted “maybe we are not happy” as he stressed his future is not just up to the owners.Mauricio Pochettino has hinted he could quit ChelseaCredit: PAIt comes after Todd Boehly said he was happy with the team’s recent formCredit: GettyPochettino has been under intense pressure at Stamford Bridge after a largely underwhelming debut season.The former Spurs boss, who has 12 months remaining on his contract, struggled to get fans on side with the Blues spending much of the campaign in mid-table.But a recent upturn in form, sparked by Cole Palmer’s goalscoring heroics, has seen Chelsea shoot into the race for European football.And co-owner Todd Boehly appeared to suggest Pochettino’s job is safe, as he praised the Argentine’s “beautiful football” ahead of the club’s trip to Nottingham Forest this weekend.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHowever, Pochettino, 52, revealed his future is still very much up in the air.He said: “The most important thing is to keep going, working if we are all happy, not only the owners happy with us, or us,“With all the organisation the club is building here, because of them, we are all under assessment.”If we are happy, perfect. But it is not only if the owners are happy or the sporting directors are happy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If we are happy, you need to ask us, also, because maybe we are not happy and we accept the situation and we need to split.”It is not going to be the first time the coaching staff at the end of the season decide to not keep going.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium”But at this end, it is always the opposite way, it is always the owners or the sporting directors.”They can say tomorrow, maybe I can say, ‘I want to leave’. It is two parties making a decision. Because Chelsea is not happy, the owners or the sporting directors.”Maybe we are not happy because we arrive here with a job to do and in the end it has not happened as we expected.”I am not saying I am not happy, but it is always one side and maybe [we need to look at the] other side.”Pochettino did stress that he is already planning ahead for next season despite hinting at his exit.He added: “The way we work is to sit with the sporting directors.”We are already planning the pre-season tour, to start the pre-season here.”We have had some meetings and we are working with the responsibility to organise the next season and of course, working in the future.”How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
      Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
      It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
      Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
      It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
      He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
      For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
      Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
      Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles.

      Boehly’s recent praise of Pochettino saw him say: “We’ve seen the last two and a half games, at least in the second half at Villa (2-2) and Tottenham and West Ham where we played just beautiful football.“It was so fluid, it was exactly the way we drew it up, when we came out of the back, built up and moved up the pitch.“It was very organised and the number of shots we had on board. In those games you could really start to see what we were working on coming together.If we are happy, you need to ask us, also, because maybe we are not happy and we accept the situation and we need to split.Mauricio Pochettino“Even the commentary has changed over the last two and a half games. I’ve never seen anything change so quickly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a boost for Pochettino, captain Reece James is back in contention to play a role before the season ends.The defender was involved in first-team training this week, with Pochettino saying: “We need today to see but maybe he can be available.”Chelsea captain Reece James has returned to training in a boost for PochettinoCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk spotted working on trademark move in training… but here’s why it WON’T work against Tyson Fury

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK has been keeping his head on a swivel in his final preparations for Tyson Fury.The undefeated Ukrainian will look to become a two-time undisputed champion when he faces the Gypsy King for all the heavyweight marbles on May 18.Oleksandr Usyk faces Anthony Joshua on May 18Credit: EPAThe Ukrainian has been keeping his head on a swivel in training for the Saudi showdownCredit: INSTAGRAM@USYKAAUsyk has been fine-tuning his head movement ahead of the Riyadh rumbleCredit: INSTAGRAM@USYKAAUsyk’s head movement and defence were on point in his back-to-back clashes with Anthony JoshuaCredit: REUTERSFan favourite Usyk will have significant height and reach disadvantages when he throws down with the WBC titleholder.The southpaw’s path to victory lies in utilising his speed, footwork and head movement – the latter of which he’s been fine-tuning ahead of the Saudi showdown.Fresh footage from the 37-year-old’s training camp has shown him extensively practising his bobbing and weaving.Usyk, of course, brilliantly kept his head off the centre line in his back-to-back victories over Anthony Joshua.READ MORE IN BOXINGAlthough he was aided by AJ’s bizarre decision not to utilise his attributes and attempt to outbox him.Fury, 35, could very well opt to adopt a similar approach in the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in nearly 25 years.Although his recent admission that the former cruiserweight king has “got more than boxing ability” than him suggests he’ll undertake a different approach.It would make sense for Fury to stay out of the pocket and keep Usyk at the end of his 85-inch power jab.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTAs would carefully-timed blitzes when he lands something of note from a distance.If he chooses to engage Usyk in the pocket, he’ll find himself eating punches in bunches from all angles.Confused Tyson Fury asks ‘what does that even mean-‘ after Oleksandr Usyk sends him 12-word message before fightThe physical advantages Fury possesses over fan favourite Usyk have made him the bookies’ favourite to win the historic unification bout.But the Wythenshawe warrior recently told Queensberry Promotions: “It won’t come down to, ‘He’s bigger than me or he’s smaller than me.“I think it will come down to who wants it most on the night.”If he wants it more than me, he will win and if I want it more than him, I’ll win, but either way I think we’re in for a real treat.”Fury is relishing the challenge of becoming the first man to defeat smooth operator Usyk in the professional ranks, saying: “Usyk is a bad man.“He’s a real bad man and any underestimation of Oleksandr Usyk – you’d be a mug.Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport.
      “I’m training hard for him, I’m doing everything I can, I respect Usyk as a man.”I respect his career as well, he’s been Olympic champion, he’s had 350 amateur fights or something.”And he’s been an undisputed cruiserweight champion, and he’s a unified heavyweight champion. “So, you have to respect that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not fighting a guy that’s had 14 and won 11, I’m fighting the real deal, as real a deal as Holyfield.”I’m looking forward to the challenge.” More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero, 30, blasts Stoke as ‘s*** place to work’ after seeing career fall apart

      by

      FORMER Premier League cult hero Saido Berahino has blasted Stoke as a “s*** place to work” as he opens up on his career.The former England U21 international appeared to have the world at his feet when he broke through at West Brom.Berahino slammed Stoke City as a ‘s*** place to work’Credit: Getty Images – Getty20 goals for the Baggies in the 2014-15 season had Spurs desperate to sign the striker, who was then aged 21.Tottenham had a £22million bid rejected by West Brom in August 2015 which ultimately saw them sign Son Heung-Min instead.Berahino’s career began to stall from there as he scored just seven goals the next season after failing to get a big move.He drew a complete blank the season after that as bids from Stoke and Crystal Palace were rejected.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFinally, he secured his exit from the Hawthorns in January 2017 in a £15m transfer to Stoke but that turned into a nightmare.He failed to score for the Potters until August 2018 and netted just five goals for the club in his 56 games.The striker, who now plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol, has been opening up about his career on X today, allowing fans to ask him questions.He wrote: “Right shoot, what do you want me to answer??”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA Stoke fan then asked: “Why were you so s*** at Stoke?”A brutally honest Berahino replied: “Was a s*** place to work honestly.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIn the same X Q&A, Berahinho revealed he would also be open to playing for League One Wrexham should he be offered the chance to move there.When asked whether he would consider moving to Wales when his contract in Cyprus expires, Berahino replied: “Why not.”Meanwhile one of Berahino’s former Stoke team-mates, Joselu, continued his surreal career last night when he scored both of Real Madrid’s goals last night as the club reached the Champions League final.Both players played for the Potters between 2016 and 2017 but struggled to make an impact. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Martin O’Neill, 72, ‘closes in on astonishing manager’s job in Europe’ weeks after accepting career was over

      by

      MARTIN O’NEILL is reportedly closing in on a shock return to management.The Irishman has been out of the dugout since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019.Rapid Bucharest are keen on hiring Martin O’NeillCredit: GettyO’Neill, 72, has enjoyed a brilliant career as a player and manager, winning trophies throughout.During his playing career, he peaked at Forest and won back-to-back European Cups.As a manager, he led Celtic to three Scottish Premier League titles and a UEFA Cup final.O’Neill was equally successful in England, winning the League Cup with Leicester and taking Aston Villa to the final of the same tournament.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe is now set to return to management at Rapid Bucharest in Romania.Reports have claimed that the club is working on a deal that would see him take charge.It is also suggested that O’Neill could be in post by the end of the week.Rapid Bucharest competes in the country’s SuperLiga and finished second in the regular season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the playoff round, the club crashed down to 6th place.It is a difficult league to participate in, with European regulars FCSB and CFR Cluj also battling for the top spot. Football icons’ strange hobbiesHowever, last month it was revealed that O’Neill had landed a job with the League Managers’ Association.He is currently set to replace Howard Wilkinson, who has overseen the bosses’ group for over three decades, when he steps down this summer.That was after he was voted in by his fellow managers after being put forward for the role.It has not been confirmed whether he would take up the LMA position as planned if he got the job in Romania, but it seems unlikelyHaving started out in the dug-out in non-league, O’Neill led Wycombe Wanderers from the conference into the third tier. He took over at Leicester in 1995 and guided them to League Cup success twice during his five years there.He left to join Celtic in 2000, winning the title three times and leading the Hoops to the Uefa Cup Final.O’Neill returned to the Premier League for a four-year stint at Aston Villa and then two years at Sunderland before taking charge of his country.He led them to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 but his five-year reign ended after a poor run of results in November 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESO’Neill did return to the dug-out in January 2019 when he was appointed boss of Forest.He guided them to a ninth-place finish in the Championship but was sacked that summer.MARTIN O’NEILL’S HONOURSCheck out everything the Irishman has won during his career as both a player and manager:
      PLAYING CAREER
      DISTILLERY
      Irish Cup (1971)
      NOTTINGHAM FOREST
      First Division (1978); European Cup (1979, 1980); European Super Cup (1979); League Cup (1978, 1979); FA Charity Shield (1978); Anglo-Scottish Cup (1977)
      NORTHERN IRELAND
      British Home Championship (1980, 1984)
      MANAGEMENT CAREER
      WYCOMBE WANDERERS
      Conference champions (1993); FA Trophy (1991, 1993), Conference League Cup (1992); Third Division play-off winners (1994)
      LEICESTER CITY
      League Cup (1997, 2000); First Division play-off winners (1996)
      CELTIC
      Scottish Premiership (2001, 2002, 2004); Scottish Cup (2001, 2004, 2005); Scottish League Cup (2001) More