My Sporting Hero: Michael O’Neill on John McEnroe

Welcome to a new episode of the My Sporting Hero podcast, part of Nutmeg FC. The home of brilliant football stories – made in Scotland.

So far this month, Nutmeg FC subscribers have enjoyed....

* Brian Lee’s article on the fascinating connection between fans of Morton and Serie B outfit Reggiana

* Daniel Gray’s latest Slow Match Report on Rangers’ heroic draw with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-final

And still to come....

* The exclusive column from our tactics guy Adam Clery comparing Lewis Ferguson with Liam Henderson

Only paid subscribers to Nutmeg FC get every piece we produce straight to their inbox.

This time on My Sporting Hero, our guest is Michael O’Neill.

Portadown-born Michael played as a midfielder for several British clubs, including ones in Scotland where he is best remembered for spells at Dundee United and Hibernian. As a young man he set top-flight Newcastle ablaze with a stunning opening season. He moved to Tannadice and eventually fell out with notoriously thrawn United managerial legend Jim McLean. He also played over 30 times for Northern Ireland.

Michael started out in management at Brechin City, made Shamrock Rovers Irish champions and led them into Europe, before taking the reins at Northern Ireland. He achieved the nation’s first-ever qualification for the European Championship and progression to the second round of the finals in France in 2016. He also rescued Stoke City from relegation danger when he first joined the Potters.

Michael is currently enjoying his second spell as Northern Ireland manager.

His sporting hero is ‘Superbrat’ and all-round tennis genius/guru John McEnroe.

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