Michael O'Neill turning down Scotland isn't a shock: Gordon Strachan

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Gordon Strachan was not surprised Michael O'Neill turned down the chance to become Scotland boss to stay with Northern Ireland.

The Scottish Football Association had targeted the former Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers manager after the departure of Strachan following failure to reach to 2018 World Cup.

MORE: Michael O'Neill rejects Scotland to stay with Northern Ireland - and here's whyO'Neill held talks with the SFA last week, but decided against the move to Hampden Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked on TalkSport if he was surprised by Edinburgh-based O'Neill's decision, former Coventry, Southampton, and Celtic boss Strachan said: "In a way, no.

Michael O'Neill and Gordon StrachanMichael O'Neill and Gordon Strachan
Michael O'Neill and Gordon Strachan

"When I met Michael, first of all when I starting coaching him at Coventry, he always asked questions, was always willing to take information, but at the end of the day he was his own man.

"There was a lot to be thinking about, a lot to be done - he lives in Scotland and he could have been swayed - but he has had a look at it and for whatever reason, I don't know, he has decided to stay with a group of people that he has worked very well with for the last five years.

"Sometimes you get so long to think, there is so many things come into your thinking and you think well, it seems like a good idea at a time, but the longer you have to think of it you think maybe it is not such a good idea."

News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice