O’Neill talks with SFA positive
INITIAL talks between the Scottish Football Association and Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill over the vacant Scotland manager’s position have taken place, and are believed to have gone positively, with both parties now taking time to reflect on their next move.
O’Neill has long been the SFA’s number one target for the role, and HeraldSport understands that they were deeply impressed by the meticulous nature of the 48-year-old’s preparation for the meeting and ideas for the future of the national team.
The SFA delegation spoke at length with O’Neill regarding the nature of the role, what will be expected of him if he does indeed become the new Scotland manager, and the direction of Scottish football in general, outlining their performance strategy.
The meeting was described as “productive” by a source close to the discussions.
Despite the positive nature of the meeting though, no timeline has been set in terms of making a final decision, and O’Neill has not been set a deadline to make up his mind over the role.
The SFA were granted permission to speak to O’Neill after agreeing a compensation package with the Irish Football Association last Friday, a figure believed to be around the £500,000 mark. The same again would be paid to O’Neill by way of annual salary, matching the figure he currently receives from the IFA, who haven’t given up hope of holding on to their manager, offering him a four-year extension to his current deal worth £700,000 per annum.
O’Neill is due to be at UEFA headquarters in Lausanne next week to represent his homeland at the UEFA Nations League draw.