Stoke players unaware boss O’neill
STOKE City’s players were unaware that their boss, former Northern Ireland manager Michael O’neill, had tested positive for Covid-19 before they were due to play Manchester United, it has emerged.
O’neill was preparing for a friendly against the Red Devils on Tuesday ahead of English football’s return on June 17 following the lockdown.
Stoke confirmed the news after the Championship outfit cancelled the fixture at United’s Carrington training base on short notice. It is understood the match was supposed to take place at 10am.
Each Stoke City player travelled on their own by car. O’neill did not travel.
As the players prepared for the game the club’s Covid results came through from the English Football League — there is routine testing of all EFL staff and players — and they were told to get changed again and return home, have the day off yesterday and come back into training today.
Stoke City said: “O’neill had tested negative in the previous five rounds of testing.
“He will now follow the relevant guidance and undergo a period of isolation, whilst continuing to be in regular virtual contact with his coaching staff and players.
“Assistant manager Billy Mckinlay will take charge of training as the Potters prepare for their game against Reading on June 20.
“The club will be making no further comment on this matter.”
O’neill (50) was hugely successful in his role as Northern Ireland boss after guiding them to the Euro 2016 finals in France, a first appearance at a major tournament in 30 years.