MARTIN O’NEILL | FOOTBALL CAREER

Martin O’Neill was a prominent footballer, playing for teams including Nottingham Forest, Norwich City, Manchester City, Notts County, Chesterfield, and Fulham as well as internationally for Northern Ireland.

He initially played for his home team, but it was when he joined Nottingham Forest that he really established himself as a player, winning two consecutive European Cups. Joining in 1971, the club also won two League Cups, one European Super Cup, and the Anglo-Scottish Cup.

He signed for Norwich City in 1981 but due to relegation, he left and sent for Manchester City – but he only stayed there for a year, returning to Norwich in February 1982, before re-signing to Nottingham. He then moved to Chesterfield for a short-lived career, before joining Fulham.

Alongside his club career, he represented his country, making his senior debut in 1971. He became a regular for Northern Ireland, captaining it at the 1982 World Cup. He would go on to play 64 times and score eight goals.

Unfortunately, injury forced him into retirement in 1985.

MARTIN O’NEILL | FOOTBALL MANAGER

Whilst his injury forced him to stop playing football, it didn’t make him step away completely, and he became a manager for clubs such as Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Nottingham Forest. In 2013, he was confirmed as the new manager for the Republic of Ireland national football team.

As manager, he saw his teams win the FA Trophy, Conference League Cup, Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, Football League Cup, Scottish Premier League (on three occasions), Scottish Cup (on three occasions), and Scottish League Cup, as well as runners-up at the UEFA Cup and Football League Cup.

MARTIN O’NEILL | AWARDS

Martin has won a number of awards and accolades over his career, particularly in his managerial roles, including:

– Premier League Manager of the Month (eight times)

– Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month (nine times)

– LMA Football League First Division Manager of the Year (1995-96)

– LMA Football League Third Division Manager of the Year (1993-94)

– SFWA Manager of the Year (three times)

– Scottish Premier League Manager of the Year (2003-04)

MARTIN O’NEILL | OTHER WORK

In 2002, Martin released his autobiography On Days Like These, where he reflected on his successful football career, both playing and managing.

Outside of football, he remains a follower of criminology – he was once studying for a law degree at Queen’s University Belfast, which he didn’t complete. He has also worked in television as an analyst for the BBC and ITV on a range of football championships.

In 2024, he began co-hosting The Football Authorities Podcast alongside Clive Tyldesley, providing in-depth analysis of football’s major stories.

MARTIN O’NEILL | CORPORATE WORK

Martin’s experience as a top football player and manager has made him a highly sought-after speaker. His talks are hugely applicable to cover topics such as teamwork, business, and personal growth, as well as more in-depth sporting topics. He gives keynote talks, after-dinner talks, and Q&A sessions.

He also does a number of “An Evening With…” style events; for example, in 2024, he appeared with journalist Graham Spiers for “An Evening With Martin O’Neill” for Stirling Events. The session took “a trip down memory lane to explore his career highlights, with the opportunity for audience members to ask questions along the way”.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book popular Republic of Ireland Soccer manager and player Martin O’Neill for your next live event.

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