Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Swipe for next article

Independent Bulletin homepage

Download our
Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)

Northern Ireland’s Michael O’Neill to take second manager’s role ahead of World Cup play-offs

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is set to take charge of Blackburn Rovers (Liam McBurney/PA). — Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is set to take charge of Blackburn Rovers (Liam McBurney/PA). (PA Archive)

Michael O’Neill is poised to take on the managerial role at Championship club Blackburn Rovers, while simultaneously retaining his position as Northern Ireland's national team manager.
This dual role will require O'Neill to balance Blackburn's battle against relegation with Northern Ireland's critical preparations for their upcoming World Cup play-offs.
Northern Ireland faces a challenging schedule, including a play-off semi-final against Italy in March, as they strive to qualify for their first World Cup in four decades.
Blackburn Rovers currently sit 22nd in the Championship table; O'Neill has a proven track record of steering clubs away from relegation, notably with Stoke in 2019.
The agreement is anticipated to be concluded quickly, potentially enabling O'Neill to make his debut in the dugout for Blackburn's match against QPR this Saturday.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill set for dual role after accepting Championship job — In full