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Michael O'Neill signs four-year deal to remain Northern Ireland manager until 2032

Michael O'Neill has committed to Northern Ireland until 2032 after rejecting a permanent role at Blackburn Rovers. The 56-year-old, now in his second spell as boss, led the nation to Euro 2016 and has taken charge of 104 matches across both tenures.

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Michael O'Neill signs four-year deal to remain Northern Ireland manager until 2032
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Michael O’Neill has signed a new four-year contract with the Irish FA to remain Northern Ireland manager until 2032, ending speculation over his future just two weeks after he turned down a permanent offer from Blackburn Rovers.

O’Neill, 56, spent the back end of last season juggling dual responsibilities, managing both Northern Ireland and Blackburn simultaneously after accepting the Championship club’s role in February. Having guided Rovers to safety, he entered talks over extending his stay at Ewood Park before ultimately choosing to remain in international football.

“This is a role that means a great deal to me,” O’Neill said in a statement. “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.”

The announcement will come as a significant relief to the Irish FA, who had feared losing O’Neill for a second time. His decision to take the Blackburn job in February had alarmed many Northern Ireland supporters, coming just weeks before a World Cup qualifying play-off away to Italy. O’Neill first took charge of Northern Ireland in 2011 before departing for Stoke City in early 2020, then returned to the post in 2022.

His 104th match in charge came with a friendly draw against Wales in March. The defining moment of his tenure remains Northern Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2016 — the country’s first major tournament appearance since the 1986 World Cup — and there is growing optimism that a young squad could reach the Euros again within the next two years.

IFA president Conrad Kirkwood welcomed the news. “Michael has made a massive contribution to Northern Ireland so far,” Kirkwood said. “I am delighted that he will continue that work into the future and I look forward to more memorable achievements for the team.”

The deal was announced on the day O’Neill was due to name his squad for next month’s friendlies, with Northern Ireland set to face Guinea in Cadiz before travelling to Lille to take on World Cup-bound France.

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