THE IRISH FOOTBALL Association (IFA) have declined to comment amid reports linking manager Michael O’Neill to the vacant Norwich job.
Several media outlets, including the Telegraph and BBC Radio Norfolk, are reporting that former Shamrock Rovers boss O’Neill is in the running to take charge at Norwich, though the IFA were unwilling to comment on these stories when contacted by The42.
The club are set for another season in the Championship, after their bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt ultimately fell short, as the Canaries currently find themselves eighth, 10 points off the playoff spots with one game to play.
Norwich’s disappointing season led to Alex Neil stepping down as manager, with former West Brom and Preston coach Alan Irvine appointed caretaker boss until the end of the season.
The BBC report that O’Neill and Norwich have held informal talks about the possibility of the Northern Ireland boss taking charge at Carrow Road, while it is understood that O’Neill’s release clause of £750,000 for Premier League clubs is lower for Championship sides.
The club’s new sporting director Stuart Webber has been tasked with leading recruitment for Neil’s successor, with Huddersfield coach David Wagner and Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler among those also reportedly being considered for the role.
O’Neill has received plenty of plaudits since taking over as Northern Ireland boss in 2011, helping guide the team to Euro 2016 — their first major tournament qualification since the 1986 World Cup — while they are currently second behind Germany in their World Cup qualification group and well set for a place in the playoffs.
In addition to Republic of Ireland star Wes Hoolahan, one Northern Ireland international, Michael McGovern, currently plays for the club.
Another of O’Neill’s players, Kyle Lafferty, had been playing with the Canaries before it was announced earlier today that he was one of seven senior pros being released.
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This lad is the real deal..hard to believe he’s 24 years of age..a rapid enough rise to international rugby,but is just what was needed…he’s here for the long haul to if he stays injury free..definitely will start with the lions..
Haha 11 starts for Ireland and he “Definitely ” will start for the lions! Will ye ease off and see is he good enough at least after the 6N.
Absolutely Furlong is the real deal but expect Cole to start with Furlong more explosive off the bench.
@Kevin O’brien: Itoje is pretty much a definite for the Lions. He’s only played 7 times for England.
A big six nations to follow on from the autumn series and we’ve another legend in the mix.
A few years ago I watched as he destroyed a huge AB loose head in the junior world cup. I think for most people who watched that game his rise to the top is no surprise. I also believe Mike Ross has been a superb mentor at Leinster and he will have benefited hugely from his input.