The former Stoke City boss is looking to keep Blackburn Rovers in the Championship
Championship clubs have raised concerns about the dual-role being carried out by Blackburn Rovers boss, Michael O’Neill.
Appointed in mid-February by Preston North End’s Lancashire rivals, the 56-year-old has remained in his international post. O’Neill is contracted to Northern Ireland until 2028, having been in charge of the nation since December 2022. It is his second stint as manager of Northern Ireland.
Last Thursday, though, saw the Green and White Army’s World Cup hopes come to an end. O’Neill’s side were defeated 2-0 by Italy, in their play-off clash in Bergamo. After that disappointment, a friendly against Wales - who were also knocked out - had to be contested on Tuesday night.
And ahead of that match, the EFL confirmed they had been contacted by ‘one or more clubs’ with concerns but it is within FIFA’s jurisdiction, not their own. The concerns are around a ‘conflict of interest’ for O’Neill, amid the current relegation battle in the Championship.
Players from Oxford United, West Brom and Portsmouth are part of O’Neill’s squad, as well as uncapped Blackburn defender, Tom Atcheson. Oxford saw four of their own go away with Northern Ireland, along with Isaac Price of West Brom and Terry Devlin of Pompey.
The Easter weekend sees Championship sides play games on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Portsmouth have eight games left to play while everyone else at the bottom has seven. Five points currently separates 23rd placed Oxford and 19th placed Rovers, with Leicester 22nd, Pompey 21st and Albion 20th.
O’Neill’s response to concerns
"I was a little bit disappointed with that because I didn't get a phone call from any of the managers," he said. "I didn't get a phone call from anyone from their respective clubs.
“They felt whatever they decided to do, or what avenue they took to raise their concerns. It's disappointing given that I've managed over 100 international games, and I've always put the players first.
“They were international players when they signed them. Now suddenly, it becomes a bit of an issue that they're international players.
“These clubs, they ask for references on players, they ask for character references, level of performance from us and our staff when they want to sign these players.”
PNE midfielder Ali McCann was not fit enough to feature in either of Northern Ireland’s games over the break, due to an ankle issue. On top of that, Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Paddy McNair (Hull City) and Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Blackpool) returned to their clubs ahead of facing Wales - the former two had played 90 minutes in Bergamo.
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