Michael O'Neill will stay as Northern Ireland manager instead of accepting the permanent Blackburn Rovers job.
Michael O’Neill stepped into an interim manager role at Blackburn Rovers in February 2025 while still leading Northern Ireland, balancing both jobs until the end of the 2025-26 season.
Over 15 matches with Blackburn, he secured five wins, five draws, and five losses, keeping the club in 20th place and preventing relegation from the second tier.
The brief tenure followed a period of dual responsibility, as O’Neill maintained his focus on Northern Ireland’s national team duties.
After discussions with Blackburn, O’Neill decided not to take the permanent manager position, choosing instead to remain as Northern Ireland’s head coach.
The club confirmed his departure, citing his commitment to guiding the national team toward qualifying for UEFA Euro 2028.
O’Neill has managed Northern Ireland in 104 matches across two spells, with 38 wins, 23 draws, and 43 losses.
His next priority is securing the team’s first Euros appearance since he led them to the tournament in 2016.
In a heartfelt message, O’Neill reflected fondly on his time at Blackburn, praising the club’s history and passionate supporters.
He expressed gratitude for working with the players, staff, and everyone involved with the team.
His statement highlighted the strong bonds formed during his short spell at the club, calling Blackburn a historic football club with a proud tradition.
He explained that his decision to leave came after careful consideration, as he believes his long-term focus must remain with Northern Ireland and their Euro 2028 campaign.
O’Neill thanked the owners, board, staff, players, and supporters for their support during his interim role.
His farewell emphasized the importance of national duty and the upcoming challenges ahead.
Looking ahead, O’Neill’s future will center on Northern Ireland’s Euro 2028 qualification campaign, where he aims to build on his previous success.
While his time at Blackburn was brief, his impact on the club and its fans was clear.
The national team will look to him to deliver their best performance yet in the tournament qualifiers.