Martin O’Neill Reflects on Nearly Managing Everton

O’Neill’s Everton Opportunity

Martin O’Neill, during his recent appearance on The Football Authorities podcast, shared an intriguing snippet from his managerial past—a near stint at Everton that never materialized. O’Neill, known for his successful periods at Leicester City, Celtic, and Aston Villa, divulged that he was once in the running to take over at Goodison Park following Howard Kendall’s departure in 1998.

Decision to Stay at Leicester

O’Neill, who was deeply engaged with Leicester City at the time, chose to stay committed to his project despite the allure of managing Everton. “When I was manager of Leicester City way back in 1998, I had an opportunity to go to Everton at the time,” O’Neill disclosed. He further explained his decision process while working as a pundit in France during the World Cup: “But I was really enjoying myself at Leicester City and I didn’t take it.”