O'Neill returns as Northern Ireland manager on a five-and-a-half year deal

Michael O’Neill is back as manager of Northern Ireland.

The 53-year-old has has signed a five-and-a-half year contract with the Irish Football Association and will work closely with the Irish FA’s Technical Director, Aaron Hughes.

O’Neill, who led Northern Ireland to the round of 16 at Euro 2016, said: “I am delighted to be the Northern Ireland senior men’s manager. 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."

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood applauded O’Neill’s return to the hotseat.

He said: “I believe Michael is the right man for the job. He comes to the role this time with the benefit of even more experience at both international and domestic level, which will have only added to his skill set and experience.

“With a positive Euro 2024 qualifying draw I have no doubt the Green and White Army will get behind him and his team.”

Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: “Michael is back and here for the long run. We are focused immediately on the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which starts in March 2023, but beyond that there is so much to look forward to, including the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament where we will hopefully be co-hosting as part of a successful UK and Ireland bid.”

And Irish FA Chairman Stephen Martin added: “I am very pleased with the appointment and extend a warm welcome back to Michael. With a busy and important 2023 on the horizon, consisting of 10 European qualifying matches, the board and I look forward to working with him, and supporting, his staff and players. These are exciting times.”

O’Neill left the Windsor Park role when he became manager at EFL Championship club Stoke City in November 2019, however he did not step away from his role with Northern Ireland until April 2020 when Covid led to the postponement of Euro 2020 play-offs.

However, he left the Potters in August.

He had spent nine years in charge of the national team having previously been in charge of Shamrock Robers.