Stoke City have confirmed that manager Michael O’Neill has tested positive for coronavirus.
The former Northern Ireland boss had travelled to Manchester United’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday, unaware of the results of the coronavirus test he had taken on Monday.
The Potters had been due to face United in a behind-closed-doors friendly match ahead of the resumption of both the Premier League and Championship seasons, only for news to come through of O’Neill’s test.
That led to the match immediately being cancelled, Mirror Online reports, with Stoke’s players - who had arrived for the match in their own cars - sent away from the training complex.
The club said in a statement: “Stoke City can confirm that manager Michael O’Neill has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus following the latest round of testing on Monday (June 8).
“O'Neill had tested negative in the previous five rounds of testing.
“He will now follow the relevant guidance and undergo a period of isolation, whilst continuing to be in regular virtual contact with his coaching staff and players.
“Assistant manager Billy McKinlay will take charge of training as the Potters prepare for their game against Reading on June 20.
“The club will be making no further comment on this matter.”
O’Neill took over as Stoke boss in November last year, but had been combining the role with being manager of Northern Ireland as he led them in qualifying for the Euro 2020 finals.
However, the postponement of the tournament until next year in the wake of the pandemic led to O’Neill stepping down from his role with Northern Ireland in April.
