Next Leicester City manager: Why O’Neill return would be a mistake

There’s less than a month to go before the start of Leicester City’s second successive Premier League campaign, and the East Midlands outfit appear no nearer to naming a successor to Nigel Pearson.

A succession of experienced coaches, and that is a euphemism for ageing in this context, have been linked to the role. Sam Allardyce was the early favourite, followed by Guus Hiddink, Bob Bradley and now Martin O’Neill.

Fancied for a return to the Foxes for a second spell, the current Republic of Ireland manager will have supporters resting easier after relative novice boss Predrag Radosavljevic, who was in charge of a third-tier side in the USA, was mentioned in dispatches.

That first O’Neill era lasting four-and-a-half years from December 1995 until Celtic came calling over the summer of 2000 was Leicester’s most successful in modern times. He got them up via the play-offs, established in the Premier League and added two League Cups from three final appearances in that competition.

Although it is understood the FAI would not stand in O’Neill’s way should he seek a return to club management, this is a far cry from the Second Coming of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea. Former Nottingham Forest favourite O’Neill has established a legacy in the East Midlands both as player and manager. He would risk the latter if he returned to Leicester.

Now 63, how much longevity is there in the Foxes’ wealthy Asian owners appointing O’Neill? Although always an energetic presence on the touchline, kicking every ball with his players, it is hard to see a second stint lasting as long as his first.

O’Neill would be almost 68 if he could last another four-and-a-half-years. Leaving his current post without qualification for Euro 2016 settled would also hint he doesn’t feel Ireland can finish in the top three in what admittedly is a tricky group, and thus miss out on the play-offs.