John O'Neill (footballer, born 1958)

John O'Neill
Personal information
Full name	John Patrick O'Neill
Date of birth	11 March 1958 (age 66)
Place of birth	Derry, Northern Ireland
Position(s)	Defender
Senior career*
Years	Team
1977–1987	Leicester City
1987	Queen's Park Rangers
1987–1988	Norwich City
Total
International career
1980–1986	Northern Ireland
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals

John Patrick O'Neill (born 11 March 1958) is a former footballer who played for the Northern Ireland national team, winning 39 caps, and scoring two goals. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, he was a member of the Northern Ireland squads that played in the World Cup tournaments of 1982 and 1986. His final appearance for the national side came in their 3-0 defeat against Brazil in the 1986 tournament.

Club career

At club level, O'Neill played for Leicester City, QPR, and Norwich City. However, his spell with the Canaries was cut short, and he made just one appearance for Norwich - against Wimbledon in 1987. On the field for just 34 minutes, a horrendous tackle from Dons player John Fashanu so severely damaged O'Neill's knee ligaments that he never played another professional game, and finished his playing career. O'Neill began legal proceedings against Fashanu for the tackle that ended his career, before settling out of court for £70,000.

He was granted a testimonial at Carrow Road by Norwich in the 1988-89 season.

Management and administration

After his playing career ended, O'Neill had a spell from 1990 managing Finn Harps of the League of Ireland. He later^[when?] moved back to his home city and became a member of the board of Derry City for a period.

Media work

Since retirement as a player, O'Neill is best known for being Jackie Fullerton's co-commentator on Northern Ireland international games.

International goals

Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first

Goal	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	11 June 1980	Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney	Australia	2–0	2–1	International friendly
2.	14 November 1984	Windsor Park, Belfast	Finland	1–1	2–1	1986 World Cup qualifier

References

External links

John O'Neill at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database
Flown from the Nest - John O'Neill Ex-Canaries.co.uk
John O'Neill at National-Football-Teams.com