Not really imo - given the teams & leagues he's managed in. Martin O'Neill Manager Statistics Nationality: Northern Irish Date of Birth: 1st March 1952 Martin O'Neill has managed 913 games for 7 club(s) and has 3 honours to his name. Honours: Conference 1992-93, Promotion to Football League Second Division 1993-94 with Wycombe Wanderers; Promotion to Premier League1995-96 with Leicester City. please log in to view this image ClubFromUntilHonsGames per HonourWDLTotalWin% Celtic 2000 2005 0 n/a 213 29 40 282 75.53 Wycombe Wanderers 1990 1995 2 56 52 32 28 112 46.43 Norwich City 1995 1995 0 n/a 9 7 4 20 45.00 Aston Villa 2006 2010 0 n/a 80 60 50 190 42.11 Republic of Ireland 2013 Now 0 n/a 8 7 5 20 40.00 Leicester City 1995 2000 1 223 85 68 70 223 38.12 Sunderland 2011 2013 0 n/a 21 20 25 66 31.82 His record at Villa was reasonable however. Doubt he could do it with City.
Villa is definitely the one that I'm thinking of, with decent money provided, he gets the results. I think his time at Sunderland is hard to read into, given everyone who has gone there since.
Sort of what I was getting at. He did get some financial backing at Villa. Until we know what (if ever !) any new owner at City will shell out, it would not be a good fit. I don't believe O'Neill is very progressive as a manager without lots of cash. edit: I do admire what he has done with ROI however, so maybe I'm being a little harsh.
I think his best days are behind him really, Phelan is probably more progressive coming from so many years spent at Man U recently
I'd definitely give him a chance to prove himself. Ok, pre-season friendlies are not much to go on, but , as many have observed, despite extenuating circumstances ( a depleted squad etc), it was refreshing to see a change in tactical philosophy last Saturday against Leicester. Phelan has had one of the best apprenticeships anyone could wish for, and has some great old pals he can seek advice from. He should at least be given until the end of the year imo.
O'Neill's best years are behind him. I'm not so sure about Phelan and I don't see why others believe he 'deserves a chance'. One good result does not prove his worth. Anyone for Heimir Hallgrimsson? Maybe he could bring Sigurdsson with him.
Simple really. He's changed City's strategy compared to recent management. So far it's worked. If we have less than 6 points after 5 games that's the time to reconsider.