John O'Neill (footballer, born 1958)
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Patrick O'Neill | ||
| Date of birth | 11 March 1958 | ||
| Place of birth | Derry, Northern Ireland | ||
| Position(s) | 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) |
| Total | 316 | (10) | |
| International career | |||
| 1980–1986 | Northern Ireland | 39 | (2) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
John Patrick O'Neill (born 11 March 1958) is a former footballer who played for the Northern Ireland national team, winning 39 caps, and scoring two goals. 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.
Club career
[edit]At club level, O'Neill 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, a 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.
He was granted a testimonial at Carrow Road by Norwich in the 1988-89 season.
Management and administration
[edit]After his playing career ended, O'Neill had a spell from 1990 managing Finn Harps of the League of Ireland. He later[when?] moved back to his home city and became a member of the board of Derry City for a period.
Media work
[edit]Since retirement as a player, O'Neill is best known for being Jackie Fullerton's co-commentator on Northern Ireland international games.
International goals
[edit]- Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first
| Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 11 June 1980 | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |  Australia |
2–0 | 2–1 | International friendly |
| 2. | 14 November 1984 | Windsor Park, Belfast |  Finland |
1–1 | 2–1 | 1986 World Cup qualifier |
References
[edit]External links
[edit]- John O'Neill at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database
- Flown from the Nest - John O'Neill Ex-Canaries.co.uk
- John O'Neill at National-Football-Teams.com
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- 1958 births
- Living people
- Association footballers from Derry (city)
- Men's association footballers from Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland men's international footballers
- Leicester City F.C. players
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. players
- Norwich City F.C. players
- 1982 FIFA World Cup players
- 1986 FIFA World Cup players
- League of Ireland managers
- English Football League players
- People educated at St Columb's College
- Men's association football defenders
- Association football managers from Northern Ireland