Earlier today, the72 reported that Stoke City had appointed Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill as the club’s new boss, replacing Nathan Jones who was sacked last Friday (November 1).
News first emerged yesterday that the club had been in contact with the Irish FA in order to seek permission to talk to Michael O’Neill, and permission was “reluctantly given.”
According to BBC Sport, O’Neill will take charge of the second tier club with immediate effect, but the club have agreed that O’Neill is allowed to remain in charge of the Northern Irish national team for the country’s remaining two qualifiers with Germany and the Netherlands, as well as any potential Play-Offs for the 2020 European Championships.
This appointment could be a huge step forward for Stoke City, who currently find themselves bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, and if things do not turn around, they could be staring at relegation to the third tier of English football.
Here’s a look at how Stoke City fans reacted to the news on Twitter:
This supporter thinks that this appointment could kick start their season.
Now let’s kickstart our season! Come on Stoke! #WelcomeMichael #SCFC 🔴⚪️ https://t.co/ym2z3Hktxn
— Kieran Lally (@kieARD) November 8, 2019
Simple yet effective, this Stoke fan is clearly happy with the appointment.
Come on 💪 #SCFC https://t.co/Eq2oehGYmv
— Bristol Stokie (@BristolStokie) November 8, 2019
This Potters fan is urging supporters to get behind the new manager, something which has not happened at times so far this season.
Let’s all get behind MO’N right now, no bickering, no stupid comments just get behind the team when they need us #SCFC
— Ian Parkes (@Parksy) November 8, 2019
Not sure whether this fan is more relieved that Tony Pulis is not the club’s new manager or excited that Michael O’Neill is…
A great appointment which also means it's not Pulis which is even greater!!
Time to get behind the lads starting tomorrow at Barnsley. #SCFC https://t.co/mB2ubw5Uck— Mike Allen (@minpa83) November 8, 2019
O’Neill has said in interviews that he intends to be in charge for tomorrow’s bottom of the table clash at Barnsley, but whether or not he is remains to be seen.