Man Utd legend looking to become Premier League manager after refusing to jump at first offer
JOHN O’SHEA is being patient as he pursues his dream of becoming a Premier League manager.
The former Manchester United defender, 41, has just been appointed as Ireland’s assistant boss while he continues coaching at Stoke.
And he deserves credit for seeing the bigger picture rather than jumping at the first job offer.
O’Shea completed all his coaching badges and is now on Uefa’s Master for International Players’ course, which equips ex-players with professional skills to work within football organisations.
He was Ireland’s under-21s assistant before stepping up to become Stephen Kenny’s right-hand man and has a nice, easy first match . . . against France at home in a Euro 2024 qualifier on March 27.
Soon after then-Stoke chief Michael O’Neill appointed O’Shea last July he said: “He had a fantastic playing career but he’s very keen to learn as a coach as well and he has settled in extremely well.
“I think he brings the right mix of not only his expertise but also his personality.
“He’s a good person to have around, particularly around young players.”
Alex Neil succeeded O’Neill last August but Stoke still languish 16th.
And when O’Shea doubled up by taking the Ireland job, the 118-cap star said: “It was always an honour to play for my country and put on the green shirt so to join the coaching staff and work with the current group of players and staff is an amazing opportunity.
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As a player he spent 12 years at Old Trafford.
He then racked up seven years with Sunderland, before quitting on-field action at Reading in 2019.