Former Irish League star on why joining Crusaders coaching staff was 'no-brainer' decision
Sean O’Neill admits it was a “no-brainer” to join the coaching staff at former club Crusaders as he takes the first step of his post-playing career in familiar surroundings.
After making 574 Irish League appearances, O’Neill has been appointed to Declan Caddell’s backroom team, joining the likes of David Rainey and Jordan Owens in the Seaview dugout.
O’Neill enjoyed a hugely successful 11-year stint as a Crues player, winning seven trophies, including three Premiership titles, and also spent time at Ballymena United and Dungannon Swifts.
The 37-year-old played his final match on Tuesday evening in Ballymena’s 2-2 league draw against Cliftonville and will be alongside Caddell for Saturday’s trip to Coleraine.
O’Neill has been clear in his ambitions to one day become an Irish League manager and admits moving into coaching has always been on his radar.
"This opportunity came about a couple of months ago and thankfully now I have taken the jump,” he told the club’s media channel. “I'm so glad to be back.
"It came about after a conversation with Declan. We're close and he basically said to me 'would you be willing to come onboard?'.
"We started off talking about next summer and I was thinking it was something I would be interested in. The more I thought about it and more we had chats, he asked if I would come in a bit earlier.
"To be honest, this is something that has always been on my radar and I wanted to step into the coaching side of things, so it was a no-brainer for me.
"I'm so delighted to be back. Everyone knows what this club means to me, I love it so much, and to come back here, I'm just ready."
O’Neill’s Irish League experience could prove invaluable to a young Crusaders dressing room as they look to climb the Premiership table.
The North Belfast outfit currently sit 10th, 12 points clear of basement club Glenavon and four ahead of Carrick Rangers in the race to avoid relegation, but are also only four adrift of seven-placed Bangor.
Caddell has placed full faith in youth this term – 21-year-old Fraser Bryden currently sits top of the Premiership’s goalscoring charts while Elliot Dunlop, Adam Brooks and Josh Williamson, who are all 21 or under, have played important roles.
O’Neill is excited to work with a talented squad with his role focused on outfield matters – Mark Boyle is goalkeeping coach – and he has outlined the non-negotiables expected from a loyal Crusaders fanbase.
"The first conversation I had with Declan about the job, he spoke about that Crusaders identity,” added O’Neill. “To play for this club, it should be a privilege and the supporters give everything to you, but you have to give it back to them.
"They want 100%. There'll be times when we lose games, that's a fact, but if you leave it all on the pitch, they will get behind you and support you all the way."