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    Michael O’Neill confident Northern Ireland will continue to be successful

    Michael O’Neill brought the drape down on an eight-and-a-half year reign on Wednesday.

    Michael O’Neill thinks Northern Ireland can continue to enjoy success after he stood down as manager of his nation on Wednesday.

    O’Neill, who was called Stoke boss in November, made the statement after it emerged Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 certifying play- offs– due to be his final games in charge– were not likely to be played till October due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    It brought the drape down on an eight-and-a-half year reign which saw the Green and White Army qualify for Euro 2016– their first major competition given that the 1986 World Cup– and come close to reaching the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    There have actually been some really unique minutes under this man ⚽ #ThankYouMichael #GAWA pic.twitter.com/0UdZKwiNhs

    — Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) April 22, 2020

    With key players in the squad such as captain Steven Davis, 35, nearing completion of their international professions this might be completion of a period, however O’Neill thinks his follower, whoever that might be, can construct on current accomplishments.

    When asked if the great times were over,

    “It shouldn’t be,” O’Neill stated. “The fans play an enormous part because. The environment is great and everybody remarks on it. The players really like going there to play.

    ” My message to the fans is do not undervalue the role that you have to play due to the fact that moving forward they will be required more than ever.

    “If anything, what can convince a player to continue to play international football is the backing of the home crowd and the approval of the home crowd and walking out there knowing you have that fantastic support behind you.”

    Ian Baraclough has actually been set up as bookies’ preferred (Gareth Copley/PA)

    Selected in December 2011, O’Neill had a win rate of 36 percent in his 72 games, second just in Northern Ireland’s history to Bertie Peacock’s 39 percent win rate throughout 28 matches in between 1961 and 1964.

    Ian Baraclough, the present under-21 boss, has actually been set up as the bookie’s preferred to prosper O’Neill though others, consisting of O’Neill’s assistant Austin McPhee and Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson, are likewise in the frame.

    O’Neill stated it would not be fair for him to get associated with picking his follower, however stated he would be just a call away if the new man desires guidance.

    “Any guidance you’d give to anyone coming into the position, I’d be more than happy to do so,” he stated.

    “From my point of view, I am more than happy to offer any guidance or anything else they need. They just need to pick up the phone.”

    Stepping aside as Northern Ireland boss will permit O’Neill, 50, to focus totally on Stoke, where he has actually delighted in a strong start– winning 10 of his 23 games in charge to raise the Potters out of the transfer zone prior to the suspension in play.

    UEFA’s proposition, set out to member countries during a video conference on Tuesday, would see the opening round of the Nations League played in September prior to the certifying play- offs for the postponed Euro 2020 occur the following month.

    O’Neill thinks that schedule would assist Northern Ireland as they change to a new manager.

    A message to you, the #GAWA, from the man himself #ThankYouMichael pic.twitter.com/197 zXn13 Hs

    — Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) April 22, 2020

    “It would give someone more of a feel for the situation,” he stated.

    ” I think playing competitive games in a Nations League circumstance is a favorable.

    ” I had 3 friendly games leading into my first competitive game and they were over practically a six-month duration which wasn’t truly any assistance, if I’m truthful.

    ” I had a lot of various teams, a game in June in Holland when we had a shadow squad and didn’t find out anything from that.

    “September brings competitive Nations League games and that will help whoever comes in in terms of the preparation for whatever is needed in October.”

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