Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has been linked with Norwich City – but he thinks they would rather have a head coach than a manager.
Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has told BBC Sport that he hasn’t held talks with Norwich City, and isn’t particularly interested in the job either.
Norwich parted ways with manager Alex Neil in March, and whilst Alan Irvine has impressed in caretaker charge, new sporting director Stuart Webber will almost certainly be looking for a new boss this summer.
A host of names have been linked with the position, and Sky Sports claimed on Tuesday that the Canaries are interested in luring Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill to Carrow Road.
It’s stated that O’Neill’s contract contains a clause, meaning he can leave to take charge of a Championship club for a fee of £550,000, or a Premier League team for £750,000.
Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill
O’Neill, 47, enjoyed stints with Newcastle and Wigan as a player, and took his first steps into management with Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers, before taking over as Northern Ireland boss in 2011.
O’Neill not only guided Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 – their first ever European Championships and their first major tournament in 30 years – and then got his country out of the group stage at the tournament.
With his stock rising and rising, it seems like only a matter of time before O’Neill turns his hand back to club management, but he has told BBC Sport that rumours of talks with Norwich are not true.
Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill speaks to the fourth official
O’Neill even added that he doesn’t think the Norwich job is right for him at the moment, as he is a manager and the Canaries – with Webber calling the shots – may be looking for more of a head coach.
“No. Nothing at all,” said O’Neill. “There has been no contact between myself and Norwich City. Realistically, it’s probably not what I would be looking for at this minute in time. I think the club are probably in the market for a head coach.”
“I’m a manager. I’ve managed my country for the last five years and I intend to manage my country going forward. Any approach would have to be made through the Irish FA and it is my understanding that has not happened,” he added.
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