Martin O’Neill has revealed he once held talks to become Everton manager.
O’Neill enjoyed a lengthy spell in the dugout with spells at Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team among others.
But the 72-year-old could have made a move to Goodison Park hot seat following Howard Kendall’s departure at the end of the 1997/98 season.
The ex-midfielder revealed that he met with erstwhile Blues’ owner Peter Johnson for tentative discussions before choosing to remain with Leicester.
Everton later appointed Walter Smith but O’Neill admits he still holds a great affection for both the club and Goodison despite turning down the role.
“When I was manager of Leicester CIty way back in 1998, I had an opportunity to go to Everton at the time,” he told The Football Authorities podcast.
“But I was really enjoying myself at Leicester City and I didn’t take it.
“I had talks with the owner of the football club. It was when I was actually out in France working as a pundit at the time [for the World Cup], believe it or not.
“But I thought the best just [to decide] don’t go with it, although Everton is a football club that I admire greatly and have done for years and years.
“I just think the atmosphere at Goodison Park is fantastic.”