Martin O'Neill has been sensationally fired from his role as carer for his ill wife Geraldine with only 2 months of her chemotherapy remaining. Sam Allardyce has been installed as favourite to replace O'Neill, with Geraldine's brother Brian, taking temporary charge for the immediate future.O'Neill expressed his dismay at being relieved of his position. "I'm saddened at the way things have worked out".
"I have enjoyed living and working with Geraldine, and her whole family made me feel welcome. I wish her all the best for the future."
O'Neill's tenure as Geraldine's carer was fraught with difficulty. Although his initial appointment was roundly cheered - he felt being Geraldine's husband, he was the natural choice - it has proven to be a bit of a rollercoaster ride for all parties.
Although a decorated manager, O'Neill proved to be tactically inept when confronted with the complexities of caring for someone with a serious illness. Geraldine's supporters noticed that he would be quite brusque when pushing her in her wheelchair, repeatedly forgot to remind her to take her medicine, and was poor at the general upkeep of their residence. His tactless leaps for joy in the cancer ward when Geraldine received some positive results, were also noted.
Despite the noticeable improvement in Geraldine's condition, rumours had Been circulating that her mother had been sounding out a replacement. Only last week Sam Allardyce was forced to rule himself out of the position, not being prepared to comment on the job while O'Neill still held it.
Things have moved on considerably since then, and Alardyce, with his soothing back-rubs, and penchant for fine art - something Geraldine has been dabbling in recently - is seen by many as the perfect replacement. Another man in the frame in current England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, who, as well as having European experience, is well known for his skill at a 'certain act' which has brought pleasure to the plethora of ladies he has looked after. Bookies are also offering good odds on Barry Scott, the guy from the Cilit Bang ads.
