Cannot let the day go without a mention of the Special One and his transformation of our National team from Garbage to Legends..
Looking back at 2014 World Cup qualifying.. 1 win in 10 games and 17 goals conceded.
2016. Tops the Euro Qualifying Group with just one defeat.
2018 qualifying… 19 points, 7 clean sheets, 5 wins on the bounce and just 2 goals conceded (to the World Champions)
Testament to the miracle worker that is Michael O’Neill.
With a tiny squad which last night comprised of only 3 Premier league players, we comfortably sealed 2nd spot and almost certainly a play-off place, which was the target and the best we could have dreamt of, in the same Group as Germany (and who we will beat in a few weeks’ time)
Never in my life have I seen such a change in a team and cannot praise the Manager highly enough.
He has the team so well organised, confidence is brimming and have become so difficult to beat. It’s a joy to watch.
Every player has been magnificent, but special praise for the superb Johnny Evans. How many "experts"laughed when Man City put in a high bid for him, but Pep and anyone who watches him can see how much he has improved since joining West Brom and is now easily the best British defender.
Bring on the Play Offs and fear no one
Good times never seem so good.
Michael O'Neill
posted on 5/9/17
My mum and her whole side of the family are from Northern Ireland and my grandad was best mates wth Billy Bingham and I met him a few times as a kid.
Great to see Norn Iron doing well. Shows that you don't need to have 11 world class players to do it at international level.
posted on 5/9/17
Robb. Cheers
Billy Bingham was a great manager and a legend. Most of the players in the 1982-86 squads were playing at the highest level in English Football.
The team last night had 6 Championship and 2 league One players. Makes it all the more remarkable.
posted on 5/9/17
Earl - congratulations, mate. Michael has, indeed, done a great job, and the players also deserve immense credit
posted on 5/9/17
It says a lot when you now go into these games expecting results. In the past we pulled off the off "smash and grab" victory whilst needing to ride our luck. Now we look so solid and were never troubled last night. Probably still need to gain another point to be sure of a play off spot, but it's certainly a great position to be in
posted on 6/10/17
Earl,
Your "silence" on the Germany game is deafening!
By the way, the manager has done a great job with the small pool of players he has to work with!