Sean O'Driscoll

Thread dedicated to discussion of the new assistant manager.

O'Driscoll & Lijnders join coaching staff

6th Jul 2015 - Latest News
 
O'Driscoll & Lijnders join coaching staff



Liverpool Football Club today confirmed the appointments of Sean O'Driscoll and Pepijn Lijnders to the first-team coaching staff.

O'Driscoll joins the club as assistant manager to Brendan Rodgers, while Lijnders takes on the newly-created role of first team development coach after 12 successful months at the Academy.

Rodgers said: "I have made these appointments because I want to take us in a new technical direction, in terms of coaching.

"I believe the entire first-team set-up will benefit and I am extremely positive and excited about what we can achieve, as a group, going forward."

O'Driscoll arrives at Anfield with a wealth of coaching experience, most recently as England U19s manager. He's also been at the helms of Bournemouth, Doncaster Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.

"My admiration for Sean, as a professional, is well documented," said Rodgers. "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.

"From the moment I drove into Melwood last week and was greeted by Kenny the gateman, 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."

Lijnders, who held roles at PSV Eindhoven and FC Porto prior to joining Liverpool in 2014, oversaw the development of the club's U16 group last season.

He will continue to work with the elite talent at the Academy as part of his new brief, which has been created in line with the new technical approach to coaching undertaken by the club.

And the senior squad are now also set to benefit from his regular presence at Melwood.

Rodgers said: "This presents a fantastic opportunity for Pep and one I know he will grasp with both hands.

"He has excelled at the Academy and I believe this is the perfect time for him to make the step up to the first-team set-up and use his talents for the benefit of the senior squad.

"Pep displays a passion and enthusiasm for his profession that is truly infectious and I believe will have a positive impact."

Lijnders added: "I feel proud and honoured to work closely with Brendan and his staff. I couldn't think of a better attacking manager to assist.

"Everybody knows how I feel about representing this amazing club. The owners have a clear and strong philosophy which is based on developing top young players into elite - I want to thank them for giving me this opportunity.

"I had a great first year at the Liverpool FC Academy; Alex [Inglethorpe] and his coaching staff are creating something unique there. Again, I am proud to be part of the team and we will give everything."

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/188037-o-driscoll-lijnders-join-coaching-staff

Clearly had a massive effect on the club.

Two games, two wins.

All hail Sean O'Driscoll.

Clearly had a massive effect on the club.

Two games, two wins.

All hail Sean O'Driscoll.

Even though I know this is tongue in cheek from yourself Billy I wouldn't be surprised that when the results start rolling in again this season some people will give the credit to O'Driscoll rather than Rodgers.

Even though I know this is tongue in cheek from yourself Billy I wouldn't be surprised that when the results start rolling in again this season some people will give the credit to O'Driscoll rather than Rodgers.

oh colin, where are you?, where are your shorts ?

Even though I know this is tongue in cheek from yourself Billy I wouldn't be surprised that when the results start rolling in again this season some people will give the credit to O'Driscoll rather than Rodgers.

Nah O'Driscoll has no "European" knowledge. If we do well, that Lindgard fella or whatever he's called will be a genius.

Sean O'Driscoll.

He has a smigin of knowledge,

England U19s
On the 3rd September 2014 the FA announced that Sean O'Driscoll would replace the outgoing Noel Blake in the post of England U19 manager.[15] On the 6th of July 2015 it was confirmed that Sean had negotiated his release from this role in order to take over as assistant manager at Liverpool F.C.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_O%27Driscoll

Nah O'Driscoll has no "European" knowledge. If we do well, that Lindgard fella or whatever he's called will be a genius.

Not going to start this but "European" knowledge is what our manager needs the most rather than "championship" knowledge.Read a few articles about Pep Ljinders,he certainly is highly reagrded in "Europe".

Even though I know this is tongue in cheek from yourself Billy I wouldn't be surprised that when the results start rolling in again this season some people will give the credit to O'Driscoll rather than Rodgers.

To be honest Mags, I think Mick it got spot on. Lijnders is more likely to get the credit, but Rodgers and O'Driscoll will get the flak.

And yeah it was tongue in cheek given how much sh*t the fella got when he was appointed and you can guarantee if we'd lost any of these opening pre-season games the manager and his assistant would be getting down the banks. So I'm gonna give them a big pat on the back.

Sean O'Driscoll, three games, three wins, just one goal conceded in that time too.

I seen a brief interview with sean, he was talking about how much all the new coaches were enjoying life at LFC, and how they were disagreeing on things, but in a sensible positive way.

Sounds good to me. But lets wait till we are into competative games.

To be honest Mags, I think Mick it got spot on. Lijnders is more likely to get the credit, but Rodgers and O'Driscoll will get the flak.

And yeah it was tongue in cheek given how much sh*t the fella got when he was appointed and you can guarantee if we'd lost any of these opening pre-season games the manager and his assistant would be getting down the banks. So I'm gonna give them a big pat on the back.

Sean O'Driscoll, three games, three wins, just one goal conceded in that time too.

If the team will not perform then all of the 3 will be responsible.Ljinders is no different.

If team performs well then the whole coaching staff(including Brendan) will be lauded.

Simple.

If the team will not perform then all of the 3 will be responsible.Ljinders is no different.

If team performs well then the whole coaching staff(including Brendan) will be lauded.

Simple.

Except it won't work that way.

Simple.

Except it won't work that way.

Simple.

Thats your thinking.

Simple.

Big fella still undefeated.

Go 'ed Sean lad.

Anfield HQ ‏@AnfieldHQ96  9m9 minutes ago
It was Sean O’Driscoll who strongly recommended Liverpool to pursue Gomez. #lfc (Chris Bascombe)
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If this is true it could prove to be the first feather in the cap for old SOD (can't resist, I really should).

Anfield HQ ‏@AnfieldHQ96  9m9 minutes ago
It was Sean O’Driscoll who strongly recommended Liverpool to pursue Gomez. #lfc (Chris Bascombe)
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If this is true it could prove to be the first feather in the cap for old SOD (can't resist, I really should).

And maybe SOD was one of the reasons why Gomez chose us?

Do other clubs talk about their assistant managers?

Honest question. 

I mean I can't even name more than a couple at other clubs, Kidd at City, Giggs at United.  That's about it.

Do we seriously think that our success our failure on the pitch has anything to do with the ASSISTANT managers?

Rodgers really does have it made.  We do well, he takes credit and is a genius.  We do poorly, oh it's the assistant managers' fault. 

Nice work if you can get it.

Do other clubs talk about their assistant managers?

Honest question. 

I mean I can't even name more than a couple at other clubs, Kidd at City, Giggs at United.  That's about it.

Do we seriously think that our success our failure on the pitch has anything to do with the ASSISTANT managers?

Rodgers really does have it made.  We do well, he takes credit and is a genius.  We do poorly, oh it's the assistant managers' fault. 

Nice work if you can get it.

I think it's always been a big discussing point with Liverpool fans. I remember when it was the opposite a few years back and people were pinning all success that Rafa had on Pako who was the assistant at the time. Swings and roundabouts, I'm sure the same chatter goes on at other clubs and some City fans are moaning about Kidd wondering who the Assistant at Liverpool even is.

Do other clubs talk about their assistant managers?

Honest question. 

I mean I can't even name more than a couple at other clubs, Kidd at City, Giggs at United.  That's about it.

Do we seriously think that our success our failure on the pitch has anything to do with the ASSISTANT managers?

Rodgers really does have it made.  We do well, he takes credit and is a genius.  We do poorly, oh it's the assistant managers' fault. 

Nice work if you can get it.

I'm guessing you wanted Pascoe to stay then Fed?

Do other clubs talk about their assistant managers?

We talk about every one at this club Fed, tea lady, kit man etc, we're special like that.

Do other clubs talk about their assistant managers?

Honest question. 

I mean I can't even name more than a couple at other clubs, Kidd at City, Giggs at United.  That's about it.

Do we seriously think that our success our failure on the pitch has anything to do with the ASSISTANT managers?

Rodgers really does have it made.  We do well, he takes credit and is a genius.  We do poorly, oh it's the assistant managers' fault. 

Nice work if you can get it.

I said the same thing when Driscoll was being appointed and many were railing against his experience and his CV. But the funny thing is...now if we do good there will be some that will say it's due to Brendan's assistants and not him

But for me, Brendan will shoulder the blame or the kudos, whichever is relevant.

I'm guessing you wanted Pascoe to stay then Fed?

I honestly don't give a damn who the assistant manager is.  Pascoe, O'Driscoll, Steve Clarke, Pako, I really couldn't care less and never did. 

but our assistants from last season all got sacked over the summer.  That means that someone---whether it was Rodgers, FSG, or whoever---someone thought that last season was not good enough and that *someone* was to blame.

So.  To look at all the possible places to lay blame for last season and decide that the blame lies at the feet of the.... assistant coaches.... that is just mind boggling.

It's either Rodgers fault for not being a good enough manager or it's the players faults for not being good enough.  That's what it boils down to.

To shift the blame somehow onto the assistant managers is a pathetic and gutless attempt to find a scapegoat without having to look in the mirror. 

I honestly don't give a damn who the assistant manager is.  Pascoe, O'Driscoll, Steve Clarke, Pako, I really couldn't care less and never did. 

but our assistants from last season all got sacked over the summer.  That means that someone---whether it was Rodgers, FSG, or whoever---someone thought that last season was not good enough and that *someone* was to blame.

So.  To look at all the possible places to lay blame for last season and decide that the blame lies at the feet of the.... assistant coaches.... that is just mind boggling.

It's either Rodgers fault for not being a good enough manager or it's the players faults for not being good enough.  That's what it boils down to.

To shift the blame somehow onto the assistant managers is a pathetic and gutless attempt to find a scapegoat without having to look in the mirror. 

Ahem, cough, er, well said Fed

Just let him do all the post match interviews and I will be happy

1 match, 1 win. O'Driscoll!

I wonder whose idea it was to play more compact and through the middle in the second half. Credit to him.

1 match, 1 win. O'Driscoll!

Did you notice that one time...when he leaned to the left and kind of smirked? The whole game turned right there. Amazing appointment by Brendan!

Did you notice that one time...when he leaned to the left and kind of smirked? The whole game turned right there. Amazing appointment by Brendan!

Good body language eh? Well, that is a very good thing for many on this forum because that means he is obviously great!

(P.S. By the way, I'm actually quite encouraged by what I'm hearing about O Driscoll).

I wonder whose idea it was to play more compact and through the middle in the second half. Credit to him.

Rodgers?

Brendan all suited up, standing there with authority on the sideline and then his assistant O'Driscoll in his training gear standing in the background analysing things.

Amazing managerial performance. A match made in heaven.

Macca with a big smile's as well, all good so far from all new people.

Proper football man who seems to have been lost in the rat race of lower league football. He has the oppertunity here with players of a good enough calibre to help create something good.

2 matches, 2 wins. O'Driscoll!

F*** me this guys a genius!

O Driscollmania!

He was in Brendan's ear all night.

Your dollars are in a fistful
And the maze it is crystal
But the Scousers are buzzing
The Scousers are buzzing
Cos we've got Sean O'Driscoll

By all accounts, O'Driscoll set up the blueprint for what we saw of Bournemouth last night.

Not bad that.

By all accounts, O'Driscoll set up the blueprint for what we saw of Bournemouth last night.

Not bad that.

Lets hope he has more paper and ink because it was rough to watch.

I like how he was in Brendan's ear rather than Brendan 'consulting' with his team like last season. He has to be doing something right.

3 matches, 2 wins. O'Driscoll out!

Dunno what the old SOD is on in terms of wages but he probably deserves a wage rise based on the Gomez recommendation £6m is going to look like the bargain of the century in time.

Dunno what the old SOD is on in terms of wages but he probably deserves a wage rise based on the Gomez recommendation £6m is going to look like the bargain of the century in time.

Yes absolutely, some trolls on here said that assistant's don't make a difference and tried to put all responsibility on the manager.....

Well that is bullshit - Carlos Quieroz made a massive difference to Man Utd, when he arrived, United started making their wingers cut inside and dribble rather than resorting to whipping in crosses. That change helped them win the Champions League in 2008 - without him, United wouldn't have won.

Now that was an example of an attacking minded assistant. We're fine with leaving the attacking ideas to Brendan, but I think O' Driscoll has a more defensive mindset, and he must have ideas about a solid defensive unit if he has picked out this gem that is Joe Gomez.

Likewise with Benteke, I didn't know what the club were doing bringing him in, but I'm happy to be the fool in this and give due regards to Sean as I really think he has helped us with a solid start so far.

Yes absolutely, some trolls on here said that assistant's don't make a difference and tried to put all responsibility on the manager.....

Not everyone who said that is a troll mate.

It all depends on the manager and how much control he has over the coaching and how much he wants to delegate. Quieroz had a lot of influence at the mancs simple because Ferguson isn't a 'coach' and always delegated that role to his number two.

Brendan was  very much a coach and I always maintained that Pascoe and Marsh weren't a problem simply because they were only doing as the manager wanted as he was in full control of the coaching at the club.

The difference we seem to have now is the manager has had a change of heart and has allowed, and wanted, extra help and seems to have given a bigger role to his number two and possible even Gary Mac and Ljinders.

The difference we seem to have now is the manager has had a change of heart andhas allowed, and wanted, extra help and seems to have given a bigger role to his number two and possible even Gary Mac and Ljinders.

Think this is a big step forward for not only the club but for the manager Si....he learned his lesson I think realizes he does not know everything; where at times in the past he came off like he thought he did.

Think this is a big step forward for not only the club but for the manager Si....he learned his lesson I think realizes he does not know everything; where at times in the past he came off like he thought he did.

Yep.

A number two can only have influence if the manager allows him to.

Not everyone who said that is a troll mate.

It all depends on the manager and how much control he has over the coaching and how much he wants to delegate. Quieroz had a lot of influence at the mancs simple because Ferguson isn't a 'coach' and always delegated that role to his number two.

Brendan was  very much a coach and I always maintained that Pascoe and Marsh weren't a problem simply because they were only doing as the manager wanted as he was in full control of the coaching at the club.

The difference we seem to have now is the manager has had a change of heart and has allowed, and wanted, extra help and seems to have given a bigger role to his number two and possible even Gary Mac and Ljinders.

I wasn't having a go at those who said Pascoe and Marsh didn't make a difference - in all honesty, I don't think they had much input either. But there were some who suggested that there has been no assistant manager that has ever made a difference at any club (these were the 'some trolls'!). Well Quieroz certainly did, Mourinho saw the importance of top assistants, and the most famous example of all is Brian Clough's right hand man Peter Taylor.

I think Brendan was too far hands on for Liverpool. It's fine for a smaller club with smaller resources like Swansea, but at a bigger club, the responsibilites and challenges become so varied that a manager needs to delegate. I think Rodgers has come to his senses on this part after last season and I think O' Driscoll is making a difference to be fair to him.

Brendan was listening to Pep and Mac today on the bench deep in conversation. Hadn't seen that at any time with Marsh and Pascoe.

Something is different which is great.

Do you think Brendan's taking a step back on the training field these days? Is he watching from the sidelines more?

Think this is a big step forward for not only the club but for the manager Si....he learned his lesson I think realizes he does not know everything; where at times in the past he came off like he thought he did.

Agreed, something a lot of us were banging on about last season with the "defensive coach" stuff. It's great to see organisation in our defence improving game by game. I thought we were ok v Bournemouth, but tempered that with it being Bournemouth, Stoke was decent but the mistakes were still just around the corner. Last night, although they scored a goal that shouldn't have been disallowed and could have had a penalty plus Giroud missing a gilt edged chance I thought our defending was massively improved on last year.

It's fair to say a lot of that has to do with Gomez and Clyne who truly are magnificent players but there's also a clear message being drilled into them. Carra highlighted the organisation and that was very clear thoughout the game. We know Brendan has taken that step back from coaching and therefore the credit must go to of course his tactics but proportionally to his coaches too.

I may have slagged him off to high heaven but I'm more than happy to be tucking into my first course of humble pie and hopefully many more to come for the season ahead, well in old SOD (Plus of course Gary Mac and Pepjin).

Do you think Brendan's taking a step back on the training field these days? Is he watching from the sidelines more?

Think this was confirmed by himself mate in one interview regarding the coaches, can't think of where it was so can't provide a link but yes, he's adopting a more managerial than coaching role.

Best thing for me is seeing an improvement in our gamesmanship - even Joe Gomez looked to commit the odd tactical foul.

Long may it continue.

still luvin gary mac on the bench.

Very short stay at the club for him. Not long enough to cast any comment over him as a coach.

Wish him the best in his future roles

YNWA

3 matches, 2 wins. O'Driscoll out!

I was calling for his sacking way back in August

Very short stay at the club for him. Not long enough to cast any comment over him as a coach.

Wish him the best in his future roles

YNWA

Indeed. Very short stay here but I wish him well.

Very short stay, gave him plenty of stick before he arrived but I'll always remember him for bringing us Joe Gomez who I think will turn out to be an outstanding footballer so cheers for that you old SOD (meant with the greatest respect).

Best wishes and good luck.

Very short stay, gave him plenty of stick before he arrived but I'll always remember him for bringing us Joe Gomez who I think will turn out to be an outstanding footballer so cheers for that you old SOD (meant with the greatest respect).

Best wishes and good luck.

Tell ye what Luke in his few short months if Joe Gomez is what we'll remember him for he won't be forgotten.

Tell ye what Luke in his few short months if Joe Gomez is what we'll remember him for he won't be forgotten.

Yep wouldn't argue with that mate.

I get the impression there was/is more to O Driscoll than many of us gave him credit for prior to his arrival. The fact he is getting moved on so soon oughtn't to be taken as a comment on his prowess, top managers always bring their own guys in with them. By all accounts he was the guy who spotted Gomez and as others have said, for that alone he ought to be assured of an excellent reception whenever and with whomever he ever shows his face at Anfield again.

I hope he gets another good job soon. YNWA

Poor guy seems to have got stitched up when behind the scenes it looks like Klopp was being courted actively once he became available.

All the best for the future Sean.

Poor guy seems to have got stitched up when behind the scenes it looks like Klopp was being courted actively once he became available.

All the best for the future Sean.

Don't think he was stitched up at all. It's not often an assistant manager will keep his job when a new manager takes over so he would probably have been expecting it from the moment it became clear Rodgers was skating on very thin ice. He's just unfortunate that it came so soon after joining the club.

Was always going to be a short appointment with Brendan axed - but by all accounts a good football guy who will get another opportunity

I'll be honest I'm not over fussed where he ends up as we never really had time to get any attachment to him and his CV before he was hired didn't exactly scream at as either.

Wish him well but I'd be amazed if anyone mentions him again in the forum.

Gary Mac seemed to take the lime light away from this guy, So we never really got to see what he was doing, even on the bench I noticed Gary Mac talking more and interacting with the players more.

He was only here a couple of months but O' Driscoll leaves a 'LEGEND'!!.

He was only here a couple of months but O' Driscoll leaves a 'LEGEND'!!.

TBF, we only lost 2 games during this mans era.

TBF, we only lost 2 games during this mans era.

The one that got away

The one that got away

indeed

TBF, we only lost 2 games during this mans era.

Probably only scored about 8 goals too

He has been appointed as the Walsall head coach. 

TBF, we only lost 2 games during this mans era.

Everyone's got an 'era' now it seems!!

Hardly even noticed him when he was here, so tbh couldn't really give a rats arse what he does.

Hope he's a success, seems like a decent man to me.

I'll remember him mostly for two reasons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtV_1UXyYyE

and

Bringing young Joe Gomez to the club who I really hope comes back stronger than before, looks a cracking prospect.

I'll remember him mostly for two reasons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtV_1UXyYyE

and

Bringing young Joe Gomez to the club who I really hope comes back stronger than before, looks a cracking prospect.

forgot about young Joe and others.

forgot about young Joe and others.

It feels like an eternity since he was starting at left back.

Sacked by Walsall.

Sacked by Walsall.

after 16 games in charge with the team in fourth. I know they hadn't won for 6 games but it is still ridiculous, always used to laugh at clubs in Europe who sack coaches every few months but it's happening here now for all sorts of ridiculous reasons.