Michael O'Neill leaves Northern Ireland role

The Irish FA have confirmed that Michael O’Neill has permanently left his role as Northern Ireland manager in order to focus on his position at Stoke City.

The decision comes due to the proposed revised international match scheduling by UEFA in light of the Covid-19 pandemic which meant that the play-off matches for Euro 2020 will take place in October 2020.

O’Neill, who had been combining his role at Northern Ireland with the Stoke City job since November 2019, was due to take charge of the senior men’s team for the play-off Path B semi-final match away to Bosnia and Herzegovina before it was postponed.

O’Neill was appointed Northern Ireland boss in December 2011 and led Northern Ireland to their first ever appearance in the UEFA European Champions in 2016. That summer the Green and White Army reached the last sixteen of the tournament, where they were knocked out 1-0 by Wales.

Speaking to the media about the announcement, O’Neill said: "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.

“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.

“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.”

“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.”