John O'Neill (Northern Ireland footballer)

For other people named John O'Neill, see John O'Neill (disambiguation).
John O'Neill
Personal information
Full name John Patrick O'Neill
Date of birth 11 March 1958 (1958-03-11) (age 53)
Place of birth Derry, Northern Ireland
Height 1.82 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)
Playing position Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1977–1987 Leicester City 313 (10)
1987 Queen's Park Rangers 2 (0)
1987–1988 Norwich City 1 (0)
National team
1980–1986 Northern Ireland 39 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

John Patrick O'Neill (born 11 March 1958) is a former footballer who played for the Northern Ireland national football team, winning 39 caps, and scoring 2 goals.[1] Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, he was a member of the Northern Ireland squads that played in the World Cup tournaments of 1982 and 1986. His final appearance for the national side came in their 3-0 defeat against Brazil in the 1986 tournament.

At club level, he played for Leicester City, QPR, and Norwich City. However, his spell with the Canaries was cut short, and he made just one appearance for Norwich - against Wimbledon in 1987. On the field for just 34 minutes, an horrendous tackle from Dons player John Fashanu so severely damaged O'Neill's knee ligaments that he never played another professional game, and finished his playing career. O'Neill began legal proceedings against Fashanu for the tackle that ended his career, before settling out of court for £70,000.[2]

He was granted a testimonial at Carrow Road by Norwich in the 1988-89 season.

After his playing career ended, O'Neill had a spell managing Finn Harps of the League of Ireland. He later moved back to his home city and became a member of the board of Derry City FC for a period.

Today he is probably best known for being Jackie Fullerton's co-commentator on Northern Ireland international games and particularly for his excited laughter whenever NI score.

International goal

Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 12 September 1984 Windsor Park, Belfast  Romania 3–1 3–1 1986 World Cup qualifier

References

  1. ^ Football Heroes - A Photographic encyclopaedia of Football Heroes
  2. ^ Professional foul? You'll be hearing from my solicitor | Independent, The (London) | Find Articles at BNET.com

External links

Northern Ireland squad – 1982 FIFA World Cup
Northern Ireland squad – 1986 FIFA World Cup