Posted in

First words from Michael O’Neill after being appointed as Blackburn’s new head coach

by sports••0
First words from Michael O’Neill after being appointed as Blackburn’s new head coach

We take a look at the first words from Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill after being appointed as Blackburn’s new head coach.

The deal is initially until the end of the 2025/26 season and he will combine the role with his current position with the international team.

Damien Johnson will take charge of the game at QPR, with O’Neill watching from the stands.

Phil Jones will also return to Blackburn as part of O’Neill’s coaching team, the academy graduate had done his coaching badges and worked with Man Utd U18s alongside his punditry role with the BBC.

BLACKBURN STATEMENT:

Blackburn Rovers are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael O’Neill as the club’s new Head Coach on an initial short-term arrangement.

He will take charge of first team matters at Rovers while continuing in his role as Northern Ireland manager, as agreed with the Irish FA.

A manager of outstanding experience and character, with a clear footballing philosophy and a reputation for getting the best out of players, the 56-year-old brings a proven track record at both club and international level over the past 20 years.

During his first spell in charge of Northern Ireland, O’Neill led the national side to UEFA Euro 2016 – their first major tournament finals in 30 years – earning widespread acclaim for his leadership, organisation and ability to develop competitive teams.

O’Neill was appointed Stoke City manager in November 2019, guiding the Potters to Championship safety in his debut season at the club.

He took charge of 143 games over a three-year period in the Potteries, before being re-appointed by Northern Ireland in December 2022.

His coaching career has also included spells in Scotland and Ireland, with Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers respectively.

It has been agreed that O’Neill will resume international duties for Northern Ireland’s FIFA World Cup play-off against Italy in March.

“I am grateful to the Irish FA for their support and cooperation in allowing me to take this opportunity,” he said.

“Blackburn Rovers is a historic Premier League-winning club with a proud tradition, and the chance to work at a club of that stature is one I felt was important to embrace.

“The immediate focus is clear – there is a challenge ahead in the final stretch of the season and the objective is to help the team build momentum and climb the Championship table.

“From a professional perspective, being back on the training pitch every day, involved in matches and the rhythm of club football, is always valuable. It keeps you sharp and connected to the demands of the game at this level.

“For now, my focus is on giving everything to Blackburn Rovers in the weeks ahead. I understand what this club means to its supporters and I am looking forward to working with the players and staff to deliver performances the fans can be proud of.”

Damien Johnson will be in the dugout for Rovers’ game against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday, with O’Neill watching from the stands.

Welcome, Michael.

NORTHERN IRELAND STATEMENT:

The Irish FA has approved a short-term arrangement with EFL Championship side, Blackburn Rovers, for Northern Ireland senior men’s manager, Michael O’Neill to take charge of their remaining games of the 2025/26 season.

The arrangement allows O’Neill to return for the FIFA World Cup play-off against Italy in March.

Blackburn Rovers were looking for a manager with vast experience and expertise, and Michael O’Neill was the perfect fit for the profile identified.

He is expected to be at Loftus Road for the Lancashire side’s Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday February 14.

O’Neill said: “I am grateful to the Irish FA for their support in allowing me to take this opportunity.

“I think it’s a forward-thinking approach, where I’ll be using a scheduled period of inactivity creatively and proactively.

“Being out on the grass every day, involved in matches, tactical work and the intensity of club football, keeps you at your best.

“It also gives me closer visibility of players operating in the Championship, where a significant number of our squad are competing week in, week out. Having that proximity to their environment is valuable in terms of understanding form, fitness and emerging talent.

“If this experience helps sharpen me and enhances our preparation even marginally, then it’s a positive step for us.”

Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said: “We see this as a progressive move. The decision was taken following careful consideration and has been structured to ensure that the national team’s preparation and planning, remain unaffected.

“Michael remaining active on the grass during this period can only enhance the level of our preparation for the play-off.

“We are assured that, following four months of preparation, everything remains on track, and our focus is firmly on ensuring the squad is ready between now and kick-off in Bergamo. Michael will be using his downtime productively by being in and amongst the cut and thrust of elite-level football.

“With a World Cup play-off on the horizon, we are confident this experience will only strengthen his preparedness ahead of such a key fixture.”

Irish FA President, Conrad Kirkwood, said: “Michael has managed Northern Ireland for 100 games. He is a seasoned operator, and we feel that he remains well placed to achieve World Cup qualification.”

O’Neill has had previous success at Stoke City when the club was in a relegation fight, with his ability to stabilise the club during a turbulent period acknowledged by the cub’s chairman, John Coates.

Here’s how fans reacted after checking out the first words from Michael O’Neill after being appointed as Blackburn’s new head coach…

@JamesWilco82: Phil Jones and Steven Davies is a decent backroom too tbf

@ReportRovers: Part timer through the door exactly what we need to stay in the Championship! Unreal from the club yet again 👏🏻👏🏻

@DawesyXII: I’ll back O’Neill not his fault but Pasha, Rudy, etc. get fucked. The international break on the training ground would have been huge, it was for Eustace two years ago. Not having that is extremely detrimental, and we’ll likely go down for it. Again, it won’t be O’Neill’s fault

@nathrover1985: I actually think decent manager , but on a part time basis is ridiculous when dealing with relegation and his got a massive play off coming ! Hope this works rovers

@ben_rebs: Let’s give him a chance at least… fuck me

@ChrisMartin_93: On the face of it, Michael O’Neill isn’t actually too bad an appointment. The nature of his contract is strange to say the least, but he’s done well with Northern Ireland and hopefully he can keep us up. Up the part-time I’ll do it when I can be arsed O’Neill ball ❤️

@brfctoby96: O’Neill a solid Championship manager, don’t blame him at all for wanting to stay with Northern Ireland for the World Cup playoffs, but given the full focus needed on the relegation battle, it’s another big gamble from #Rovers that will really not reflect well if it backfires.

@SalfordRover: Well the new gaffer obviously backs himself to get the job done, a pair of massive balls to take it considering the stick he could get from either fan base if things go wrong for either team. Fair play to him! Big fan of Jones coming back too! #Rovers

@BRFC4Life: Rudy now feels that a guy who can only manage #rovers part time is going to be a better manager than his chosen boy VI was on a full time 3 1/2 year contract. Gotta be loving this project more every single god damn day.

@malstar79: The roar that will go up in the away end when O’Neill rushes down from the Directors box in his long brown coat and starts barking instructions to win the game. Michael O’Neill’s Blue and White Army! 💙🤍😂 #Rovers

@TheSp0rtGuy: It’s a strange decision, not one I am particularly comfortable with. Having said that, I am ready to get fully behind him and the lads to try and save the season. Would like to see more get into Ewood and try and lift the mood. Preston is a perfect game to get more in. #Rovers



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *