NI's O'Neill signs four-year contract extension

Michael O'Neill has signed a four-year contract extension to stay as Northern Ireland manager until 2032. He previously balanced an interim Blackburn Rovers role with his Northern Ireland position, but he was later confirmed as not taking the Blackburn job permanently. O'Neill has managed Northern Ireland for a record 104 games, including their first major tournament appearance in 30 years at the 2016 Euros. After a disappointing play-off defeat by Italy ended hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, he will lead a young squad. Northern Ireland will play Guinea in a friendly on 4 June and then face France four days later ahead of a Nations League campaign starting in September.

"O'Neill had been appointed interim Blackburn Rovers boss in February and had been balancing this role with his position at Northern Ireland. However, it was announced earlier in the month that he would not be taking on the Blackburn job on a permanent basis. The 56-year-old has managed Northern Ireland a record 104 games including during their first major tournament appearance in 30 years, the 2016 Euros."

""This is a role that means a great deal to me," O'Neill said. "I continue to believe strongly in the potential of this group of players and the direction we are moving in. "There is a lot of work ahead, but I am excited by the future.""

"O'Neill will be aiming to bounce back with his young squad after their disappointing play-off defeat by Italy ended their hopes of making the 2026 World Cup. Northern Ireland face Guinea in an international friendly on 4 June before travelling to face France four days later as preparation for their upcoming Nations League campaign which starts in September."

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