John O'Neill

Who is John O'Neill?

John Patrick O'Neill is a former footballer who played for the Northern Ireland national football team, winning 39 caps, and scoring 2 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.

At club level, he 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, an 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.

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