Northern Ireland reappoint O’Neill as manager

Northern Ireland have reappointed Michael O’Neill as manager on a five-and-a-half-year contract following the sacking of Ian Baraclough.

O’Neill guided Northern Ireland to the last 16 of Euro 2016 – their first tournament in 30 years – during his first spell in charge between December 2011 and April 2020.

The 53-year-old took over as boss of Championship side Stoke City in November 2019 – a job he initially balanced with the Northern Ireland one – but was dismissed in August.  

He has now returned to international management with Northern Ireland, who parted company with Baraclough in October after winning just four of his 22 competitive games.

“I am delighted to be the Northern Ireland senior men’s manager,” O’Neill said in a statement on Wednesday. 

“I am excited to see what can be achieved with this group of players and can’t wait to be in front of the Green and White Army at the National Stadium once again.”

O’Neill’s first game in charge will be against San Marino on March 23 in Northern Ireland’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier.