Report: Stoke considering mover for national team manager to replace Nathan Jones

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TeamTalk have claimed that Stoke City are considering an approach for Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, after relieving Nathan Jones of his duties as gaffer on Friday morning.

Jones, 46, was sacked after failing to turn around Stoke’s dismal start to the campaign. Many thought his sacking would come a lot sooner, after his comments following the 1-0 home defeat to Huddersfield suggested he was already expecting to leave.

However, the former Luton Town manager remained in charge for four more league games – guiding his side to wins over promotion-chasing sides Swansea City and Fulham. However, Jones then suffered losses to Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall.

Stoke sit way down in 23rd place with just those two wins from 14 league games. They are now said to be considering a move for O’Neill, who has starred as Northern Ireland manager since taking the job way back in 2011.

He has guided Northern Ireland to their first ever European Championship finals, at Euro 2016. He has also pushed Northern Ireland to within an inch of Euro 2020 qualifcation, though they have two games left to catch up Netherlands and Germany.

TBR’s view – O’Neill would be a fantastic appointment at Stoke

O’Neill has proven over the years that he is an excellent manager and is more than able to bring the best out of his players, even if they are nowhere near as good as their opposition.

Northern Ireland have over-achieved for years, with their players producing miracles to get to Euro 2016 – and to come within an inch of Euro 2020 qualifcation in such a tough group.

The only issue would be compensation. O’Neill has a contract at Northern Ireland until the summer of 2024, and it remains to be seen how much Stoke would need to pay to undo that deal.