Slaven has named the former Sunderland boss as his ideal candidate to replace Aitor Karanka at Middlesbrough.
Former Middlesbrough striker Bernie Slaven
Former Middlesbrough striker Bernie Slaven has told Talksport he would go for Martin O’Neill as Aitor Karanka’s replacement.
Karanka parted company with the Teessiders on Thursday, following a run of 10 Premier League games without a win.
Boro have slipped to 18th in the standings as a result, and are facing a fight to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Karanka’s assistant Steve Agnew has been placed in temporary charge at the Riverside, although former Middlesbrough defender Nigel Pearson and ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink are said to be among the front-runners to replace the Spaniard longer-term.
But Slaven, who helped Boro to three promotions in eight seasons in North Yorkshire, believes that O’Neill, a former Sunderland boss, would be perfect for the Smoggies.
“Me personally, maybe it’s outside the box, I’d go for Martin O’Neill. That would be my gut instinct,” said the former Republic of Ireland international. “I’ve not heard anybody mention O’Neill. He’s won two League Cups, beat Middlesbrough in one of them, got Celtic to the Uefa Cup final.
“(Aston) Villa, I think he got them in Europe two or three seasons on the bounce. Sunderland, he had a nightmare but everybody has a nightmare at Sunderland – ask David Moyes at the minute.
“He’s been successful, he’s experienced, he’s charismatic, he’s charming, he’s engaging, he’s ruthless, he’s educated, and he knows how to cope under pressure.
“I know guys that have played under him, they rave about him. Man management’s the key and that’s what we need at the minute.”
Republic of Ireland head coach Martin O’Neill
O’Neill is currently in charge of the Irish national team, with whom he signed a new contract in September 2016.
The Ulsterman’s last role at club level was as manager of Sunderland, whom he helped to a 13th-placed finish during the 2011-12 campaign before being sacked the following spring.
Would O’Neill be a good appointment for Middlesbrough?
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