Michael O’Neill speaks out on West Brom links
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has spoken out about his links to the vacant job at West Brom
As reported by the Birmingham Mail, the 49-year-old has been in the frame for the job recently and has spoken about the situation regarding his future.
Since accepting the Northern Ireland job in 2011, O’Neill managed to qualify for the Euros in 2016, making it to the round of 16, and only just missed out on qualifying for a place in the 2018 World Cup.
During his managerial career, the ex-midfielder has only managed two teams at club level, Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers, meaning it would be a big step up to take over at the Hawthorns.
Regarding the rumours, O’Neill told Sky Sports:
It’s always nice to be linked with other vacancies. I’m sure there are a number of other managers that West Brom are looking to speak to. They’re a club with a lot of potential.
They missed out unfortunately in the play-offs, and I’m sure they’re a little disappointed with that.
O’Neill has been at the helm of Northern Ireland’s national team since 2011. It would be a big move if he were to take over from Jimmy Shan, who was placed in charge on an interim basis.
I’ve been in this job with Northern Ireland now for seven years, and in that period there have been a number of approaches that have been made. At that time I’ve felt it hasn’t been the right thing to do.
You need time. It doesn’t exist very much, but I do think there are good chairmen out there. There are good ownership models and structure out there.
Chris Hughton and Danny Cowley are also among the names to be linked with the West Brom job.