Liverpool set to appoint Sean O’Driscoll as new assistant manager

The lengthy search to replace outgoing assistant manager Colin Pascoe has come to an end, with reports claiming Sean O’Driscoll will take his place.

Current England Under-19s head coach Sean O’Driscoll will replace Colin Pascoe as Liverpool’s new assistant manager, according to reports on Monday night.

Andy Hunter of the Guardian writes: “Liverpool are expected to appoint [O’Driscoll] as their new assistant manager as part of the overhaul of Brendan Rodgers’ back-room staff.”

He later continues: “The 57-year-old’s move to Anfield has not been finalised but is set to go through before Liverpool embark on a pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East on 12 July.

“The team report back for training at Melwood next Monday.”

Furthermore, “the Northern Irishman is a firm admirer of O’Driscoll and has been instrumental in the approach,” according to Hunter.

This is an interesting move, given Pascoe was very close to Rodgers, and his sacking was expected to be enforced by owners Fenway Sports Group following their end-of-season meeting.

Former Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia and Pako Ayestaran, Rafa Benitez’s fitness-minded assistant manager from his time on Merseyside, were thought to be early contenders for the role.

But the Reds have gone for Rodgers’ choice here, clearly.

Hunter includes a tribute to O’Driscoll from Rodgers back in 2013, when criticising the overall standards of coaching in England:

“We need to stop blaming the players. The players get the blame in this country. No, it is the coaching. The problem is that the guys who are ’that type’ of coach you never hear of them really. Look at Sean O’Driscoll. He is one of the best coaches I have ever come across. He is working at Bristol City. He has never had a chance in the top flight. His teams were expressive, had movement, they were technical, but he will probably never get a chance at a higher level.”

O’Driscoll will join widely reported new first-team coach Pepijn Lijnders as Rodgers’ immediate backroom for 2015/16 and beyond.

Both are seemingly in line with Rodgers’ tactical and developmental ideals—but will they have the seasoned authority that Liverpool and their manager so sorely needed last season?

What is your opinion on Liverpool’s likely appointment of Sean O’Driscoll as assistant manager? Let us know in the comments below.