O'Neill set for move to Stoke City

NI manager expected to be in place for tomorrow's game but will remain in charge for crunch qualifiers

Michael O'Neill
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 8th Nov 2019

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has agreed to take charge of Stoke City.

It is understood a compensation deal is close to being secured between the Championship side and the Irish Football Association.

O'Neill will earn almost twice his salary and remain in charge of Northern Ireland's next two European Qualifying games.

The move is expected to be confirmed later today (Friday).

He will then be in place for Stoke's game with Barnsley tomorrow.

NI skipper Steven Davis said O'Neill's departure will be a huge loss.

"I think as a nation we are in a better place now than we were when he took over - so there will be a legacy there," he said.

"From a selfish point of view we would like him to stay around forever."