O'Neill signs up for another 4 years
Deal will keep him at NI helm until 2024
Last updated 9th Feb 2018
Michael O’Neill will finally put pen to paper later on a deal that will keep him at Northern Ireland until 2024.
A press conference has been scheduled for this afternoon at the National Stadium at Windsor Park.
O’Neill has signed a lucrative extension to his current deal believed to be worth £4.5m.
That will make him the highest paid manager in Northern Ireland’s history.
The 48-year-old is the most successful Northern Ireland manager in a generation having led the country to its first major tournament in 30 years - UEFA EURO 2016. The team reached the Round of 16, exiting the tournament after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wales.
Under Michael's guidance Northern Ireland finished second in their qualifying group for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 behind current world champions Germany. That earned Northern Ireland a play-off place. A controversial first-leg penalty meant Switzerland won the tie and went through to the finals in Russia.
As part of his new contract with the Irish FA, O'Neill will also take up the role of Chief Football Officer and will have overall responsibility for the development of the game in Northern Ireland and the Irish FA's elite performance pathway.
Michael O'Neill said: "I am extremely proud to manage my country and I am pleased to be extending my time in charge of the senior team. In recent months I have been approached about taking other opportunities in football. However, no other challenge attracted me as much as taking Northern Ireland back to a major tournament.
"While that will be my main aim, I am also excited about my new role as Chief Football Officer and of having hands-on involvement in shaping our football development programmes and elite performance pathways.
"I would like to thank the Irish FA for the belief that they have shown in me by granting this contract extension and for the fans for their ongoing support of me and of the Northern Ireland senior men's international team.'
President of the Irish FA, David Martin, added: "Following the completion of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign we moved quickly to offer Michael a new contract. We wanted him to continue as not only has he brought success to our senior men's international team, but his positive influence extends to all levels of football in Northern Ireland. We are delighted that he accepted and look forward to working with him in the years to come."
Meanwhile, O’Neill will be preparing the side for their first-ever encounter with South Korea.
The two teams meet at Windsor on March 24 as part of the Koreans build up for the World Cup.
In November, Northern Ireland will play a friendly with the Republic at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin – the first game between the two countries since May 2011.
Three days later on November 18 Northern Ireland will host Austria for the opening game of the UEFA Nations League Group B matches.
The Republic will take on Denmark on November 19.