Ex-Doncaster Rovers manager O’Driscoll appointed as number two at Liverpool

FORMER Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O’Driscoll has been confirmed as the new assistant manager at Liverpool.
GRIMSBY TOWN VS DONCASTER ROVERT 

ROVERS Boss Sean O'DriscollGRIMSBY TOWN VS DONCASTER ROVERT 

ROVERS Boss Sean O'Driscoll
GRIMSBY TOWN VS DONCASTER ROVERT ROVERS Boss Sean O'Driscoll

The 58-year-old moves to Anfield after a spell in charge of England Under-19s.

O’Driscoll was the most successful manager in Rovers history, having taken the club to the second tier of English football for the first time in over fifty years in May 2008.

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He takes over as Brendan Rodgers’ number two from Colin Pascoe, sacked last month following a robust end-of-season review.

O’Driscoll was widely credited for masterminding not just a renaissance in Rovers’ fortunes, but also for the stylish football that his side produced, with the club labelled by some, including former chairman John Ryan, as the ‘Arsenal of the North’ during his time at the Keepmoat.

The likes of Richie Wellens, Gareth Roberts, Paul Green, Brian Stock and Matt Mills all flourished under O’Driscoll’s tenure and earned big-money moves in the process.

On O’Driscoll, who was controversially dismissed by Rovers in September 2011, Rodgers said: “My admiration for Sean, as a professional, is well documented.

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“He is someone with a clear vision and philosophy and has proved he has the ability to transfer that knowledge, through his coaching, to the players.

“I am looking forward to working with him and also learning from his experiences and gaining valuable knowledge from his expertise.”

O’Driscoll added: “I am excited to be joining one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.

“The hallmark of any successful club is its culture and that comes from the people who work there, from the chief executive and first-team manager to those people behind the scenes whose faces may not be known, but who are the lifeblood of the club.

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“From the moment I drove into Melwood last week and was greeted by Kenny the gate man, I could not have been made to feel more welcome.

“If you are going to have any level of success, these people are as crucial as the players; from my experiences so far, it is clear everyone wants to help this club succeed.”

Liverpool have also announced that Academy boss Pep Lijnders will step up to a newly-created role of first team development coach.

Both men began work as Liverpool returned to their Melwood base for the start of pre-season training on Monday.