He was appointed interim men's national team senior manager on 23 September 2013 following the resignation of Giovanni Trapattoni.
The following season he signed for Shamrock Rovers Playing at right-back, he was sent off on his debut in the President's Cup final defeat to Bohemians at Milltown on 30 August 1978.
He then went to Home Farm before linking up with Bohemians for two seasons, and then it was back to Dundalk where he played 2 games in the 1982–83 European Cup.
His fiery style of play combined with his great coaching abilities won him two League and one FAI Cup medal with the now resurgent Hoops.
The call for a fresh challenge saw King move to French second division club Valenciennes where he played for the first team and coached their youths side.
In July 1988 King was appointed manager of Shamrock Rovers, The club was in a mess after losing Glenmalure Park and Noel was quoted "I have the best job I have ever had in football.
In July 1992 King was appointed manager of Limerick FC but despite a League of Ireland Cup and a top six finish win he left in May 1993.
[8] After his success with the Irish women's squads, King was appointed the head coach of the Republic of Ireland under-21 side in July 2010.
[1][11] In his first game in charge on 11 October 2013, Ireland lost 3–0 away to Germany in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the RheinEnergieStadion.