John O’Neill has been overlooked as Manchester City chief executive, marginally missing out on what would be one of world sports top jobs.
The honours went to former Barcelona general manager Ferran Soriano, who looks set to pocket no less than $3 million a year.
O’Neill can be flattered by the interest but the overwhelming feeling will be that of so close, but yet so far.
Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak looked to tap into O’Neill’s vast resources that derived from many successful years working as chief executive of Australian Rugby Union and heading Football Federation Australia.
O’Neill played a pivotal role in the rise of football in Australia, being instrumental in the acquisition of Guus Hiddink after parting ways with Frank Farina.
Manchester City opted for the safe commodity, appointing Soriano who can boast a rich history of European success. Soriano was introduced to the Barcelona board in 2003, at the time the club’s income was considered the 13th highest in Europe, he departed having driven Barcelona to 2nd on the list.
Soriano reportedly pipped O’Neill at the line having attracted the support of Spain’s King Juan Carlos.
You feel the persuasion of a King would have a lot more pulling power then if Julia Gilliard was listed as a referee. O’Neill was solely represented by resume and reputation alone, Soriano to invest in the opinion of those of a higher echelon is behaviour indicative with fear. O’Neill was evidently a worrying player in the race, and so he should have been.
O’Neill intends to see out the two remaining years on his ARU contract, but will no doubt be considered for future positions in England and Europe for that matter after leaving a positive impression on Manchester City.
Sharminator
Roar Rookie
"How JON almost landed the biggest job in sport" The biggest job in sport? The Man City job isnt even anywhere near the biggest job in footbal. YAWN
Mick
Guest
When I have missed out on jobs I have been told I was really close but the other candidate is marginally better, likewise when I have had to get rid of people due to the lack of work.. As if O'neill had a hope with Man City, he probably did & interview & they found out he was not cut for the job
Brett McKay
Expert
BA, it's clear you don't have a lot of time for John O'Neill, and that's your perogative, but I need to pick you up on one of your points there - he didn't fail "to secure the World Cup for Australia" in 2003 at all, because Australia and New Zealand only ever launched a joint bid. And then when NZ couldn't guarantee clean stadia for the RWC as per IRB requirements, O'Neill very happily stepped in with the outcome being Australia's sole hosting of the tournament..
JAJI
Guest
That plane ride back from Uruguay was a main reason why the Socceroos were able to hang on against a side that was arguably stronger on the park.....O;Neil organised the side impeccably
AndyMack
Guest
Not sure why a King has any influence. That king has done next to nothing.
peeeko
Roar Guru
How close was he to getting the job? I can only find Australian news sources quoting this. Perhaps in english eyes he wasn't close at all?
Harry
Guest
Bad luck Jon, so close yet so far. I reckon he would have made a pretty good fist of it, though as others say above, imagine walking into that bunfight. Just quietly it might have been a good thing for Aus rugby as well, he's been in the job an awfully long time. Betcha Dingo's relieved mind you, although he's got his contract sewn up for another couple years as well.
Midfielder
Guest
JON is a excellent at his role... Think about RU pre JON.... Then with JON in charge... Then with he went to Football Then after his return.... Sorta says it all.........
sheek
Guest
BA Sports, If you don't like O'Neill, that's fine. There are many who share your sentiment. But don't let your personal feelings cloud your judgement. O'Neill is an outstanding sports administrator, who named Australian sports administrator of the year two or 3 times. Although he's not my cuppa tea, but you have to admire how he gets things done. We should be thankful O'Neill was the first professional CEO of Australian rugby back in 1996. He ensured whatever money came the ARU's way, & it was paltry back then, he used it wisely. In 2003, he was given an opportunity due NZRU's stupidity & he grabbed it with both hands. A bit of clever re-writing of history by you, BAS. What you fail to appreciate is this - it wasn't until we conducted a fabulous WC in our own right, that the rest of the world realised we had "arrived" as a rugby nation. Prior to 2003, the general perception was that Australia couldn't host a rugby world cup by itself. O'Neill had a lot to do with the success of the Socceroos qualifying for FIFA 2006. We also had the talent in 1994, 1998 & 2002, but failed. O'Neill had a hand in the selection of Guss Hiddinck, & then left him alone to do what he does best - manage & coach. O'Neill was instrumental in getting the Socceroos back from Uruguay in a Qnatas 747, with the players all being pampered the whole way back ensuring they recovered quickly for the return match in Sydney. None of this success happened by accident. Sure, he got lucky. But he also doubled the luck that might have come his way. As someone else said above about Gary Player: "the more I practice the luckier I get". The best make their own luck.....
JAJI
Guest
Reporting into the Abu Dabi Investment Authority would have made dealing with the Qld Rugby Union look like a walk in the park.....then add in Balotelli, Tevez as you say....
amazonfan
Guest
No matter how talented, driven or ambitious you are, in order to succeed in any industry, you need a bit of luck. He may have had more luck than most (I couldn't say), but luck comes hand in hand with success. The true talent is to take the opportunities that luck presents you with, and to exploit those opportunities. That it appears that he has would suggest to me that he is pretty good at what he does.
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
As Gary Player famously said...."the more I practice the luckier I get". At those high levels you have to a bit more than lucky.
B.A Sports
Well he has certainly been in the right place at the right time. Look at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he actually failed to secure the World Cup for Australia, we had to share it with New Zealand. It was only that New Zealand couldn't get there, you know what together in time, that they changed the World Cup to be held entirely here. Then he happened to be in charge of Australian Rugby Union when a man with a bucket load of money offered it up to create a new "Super Rugby" competition between NZ, RSA and Aus. He was in charge of Australian football at a time when we had never been stronger (in terms of on-field talent) that saw Australia progress to the World Cup and inflate our interest in the round ball game. And he was fortunate that one of Australia's richest men decided he wanted to support a new National League at a time that he was in charge. So while I am sure he is a reasonable administrator and could do a better job than me, yes I would say he had a little luck.
pete4
Guest
Will be interesting now to see if O'Neill comes back and takes up a role at the FFA in the near future
Jiggles
Roar Guru
How Has he been lucky? He oversaw rugby's transition to a professional game and took Australia to the top both in terms of results on the pitch and financial power, only to see his legacy ruined by a bunch of amateur old school tie boys once they successfully booted him out of the job. He also saw the transformation of Australian soccer from a racially divided sport to a great new national competition and the first Australian world cup appearance in 30 odd years. I'd say he has had more than luck.
AGO74
Guest
I disagree he's been lucky during his career. He has been very successful across two codes. Not solely on his own obviously but certainly he is entitled to take a reasonable portion of credit. However, I do agree with you that he may count himself lucky in the long run not to have got this position. Having to deal with the likes of Balotelli, Tevez et al would make incidents like James O'Connor's drunken sleep in seem like a leisurely sunday stroll!
B.A Sports
O'Neill has been very lucky during his sports administration career, and had he got this job I think he would have been found out pretty quickly. So once again, I think he can count himself lucky....