Michael O'Neill leaves role as Northern Ireland manager

O’Neill departs after eight-and-a-half years to take up the position of head coach at Stoke City

Michael O’Neill has permanently left his role as Northern Ireland manager after eight-and-a-half years.

O’Neill had originally been appointed Stoke City head coach in November, with a deal agreed to allow him to oversee the remainder of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

However, scheduling issues relating to the coronavirus pandemic led to a mutual termination of his contract, with Northern Ireland’s play-off match against Bosnia and Herzegovina now likely to clash with the start of the country’s Uefa Nations League campaign.

“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,” O’Neill said in a statement. “I would have loved the opportunity to manage Northern Ireland in the Uefa 2020 play-off game versus 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.

“I would also like to thank everyone at the Irish FA who have made the job a wonderful experience and especially Patrick Nelson (CEO), Leslie Caul and Gerry Mallon (IFA chairmen), Jim Shaw and David Martin (IFA Presidents) who have always been a great source of support.

“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.”

Michael O'Neill took Northern Ireland to a major tournament for the first time in 30 years (Getty)

O'Neill was appointed in December 2011 and presided over their run to Euro 2016 in France - the first time in 30 years they had qualified for a major tournament.

They made it through their group after a famous win over Ukraine before exiting at the last-16 stage after defeat by Wales in Paris.

Irish FA chief executive 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.

"We were all looking forward to having Michael back to lead the team in March for the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but, for obvious reasons, it simply wasn't to be.

"Now that we have a clearer sense from Uefa on their next programme of games, it is the right time to move forward in a new direction to give Michael's successor the best possible chance of planning for and competing in the Nations League, as well as gearing up for those crucial play-off games that will hopefully take us back to Euros next summer."

Additional reporting by PA