Former AFC Bournemouth and Doncaster Rovers manager, Sean O’Driscoll, has joined Brian Stock’s Terras backroom team on a non-contract basis.
Terras manager Stock captained O’Driscoll’s Doncaster side to League One play-off glory at Wembley in 2008 having also been part of his Bournemouth side that won promotion from League Two five years earlier.
O’Driscoll most recently held the role of Head of Academy Coaching at Portsmouth FC. Now, after relocating back to Dorset, he will assist his former skipper both on the training pitch and match days in a role to be defined by the Terras boss.
O’Driscoll said: “I’ve known and worked with Brian since he was 15. As a player he had great football intelligence and led by example with his performances. He is at the start of his coaching and managing career and if he wants to use me as a sounding board, as someone to challenge him or give him a different viewpoint on things I’m happy for him to do so.
Brian will determine where and how he thinks I can add most value. We’ve been through a lot together and he knows he will always get honesty from me and that I will always respect and back him for having the courage of his own convictions too. I’m looking forward to working with him again in whatever way he thinks I can help.”
Stock said: “I have known Sean since I joined AFC Bournemouth as an apprentice back in 1996, where I went on to play hundreds of games under his guidance.
“Sean has always been a coach that myself and many others have admired. His work ethic and ability to develop an understanding, whether for an individual or collectively as a team, is the best I’ve witnessed in the 24 years I’ve been involved in football.
He will bring a wealth of knowledge to our young playing squad and backroom staff for everyone to tap into having worked with some of the best up and coming talent in the country with England Under 19s, assisting Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and managing many Football League games at the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, to name a few.
We have been through many highs and lows throughout the 15 years we have worked together and although I’m no longer crossing that white line as a player I’m delighted to be able to welcome a man of Sean’s calibre to Weymouth FC as part of my management team.”
Vice-chairman Paul Maitland had the following to say on the appointment:
“Following discussions with Brian and Sean over the past few weeks we believe the arrival of Sean will only enhance our management structure. Brian is and will remain responsible for all First Team duties. But the chance to add Sean, with the knowledge and experiences he possesses, will benefit the club as a whole.
Very rarely does an opportunity arise to recruit someone of Sean’s acumen to a club of our stature. This is testament to Brian that he has been able to convince someone of this ilk to help complement our backroom staff.”
O’Driscoll will be in the dugout for the Terras’ FA Trophy tie at Hungerford Town on Saturday (18 December).
Welcome to Weymouth, Sean!
