MICHAEL O’NEILL IS set to stay on as manager of the Northern Ireland senior team after he rejected the chance to take over as Scotland boss.
The 48-year-old had been expected to take over at the helm following Gordon Strachan’s tenure and was the Scottish FA’s favourite to take up the role.
Instead, he will stay on as Northern Ireland manager. The former Shamrocks Rover boss has been in charge there since 2011.
He released a statement today explaining his decision (via Andy Burke of the BBC):
“Having given the matter a great deal of thought and consideration, I have decided not to take up the opportunity to become the next Scotland manager.
“It’s a huge honour to be offered the position however I do not feel that this is the right opportunity for me at this moment in my career.
“I would like to place on record my gratitude to the SFA for the very professional manner in which they conducted negotiations and I would also like to wish them every success for the future.”
O’Neill led Northern Ireland to the last-16 stage at Euro 2016 and to the World Cup play-offs and has been offered an extended contract by the Irish Football Association (IFA).
His current contract runs to 2020, with the proposed new deal extending to 2024.
Michael O'Neill statement after he rejects the chance to take over as Scotland manager. pic.twitter.com/bcj7VZQZBj
— Andy Burke (@BBCAndyBurke) January 22, 2018
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