by Adam Moynihan

Diarmuid O’Carroll took another positive step in his coaching career this past week as he was promoted to the role of assistant manager at English League One club Morecambe.

The former Killarney Athletic and Glasgow Celtic player had been the club’s first team coach since the start of the season but Morecambe confirmed on Tuesday that O’Carroll would be stepping up to become manager Stephen Robinson’s right-hand man. The 34-year-old replaces former assistant manager John McMahon who resigned before Christmas.

O’Carroll’s first match as Morecambe’s No. 2 could scarcely be any bigger: the third-tier outfit travel to London on Sunday to take on Spurs in the third round of the FA Cup. The fixture will be special for Morecambe’s manager and assistant manager in more ways than one. Robinson started his playing career at Tottenham; O’Carroll is a lifelong Arsenal fan.

Ross Road native O’Carroll, who enjoyed a colourful playing career that included spells in Scotland, England, Iceland, Belgium and Northern Ireland, is a popular figure in the Lancashire town having lined out for Morecambe in 2008/09.

EXCITED

Speaking to the Shrimps’ website after securing his latest promotion, O’Carroll said he was excited by the opportunity.

“It’s brilliant. I worked well with John [McMahon] when he was here as well, and I wish him all the best for wherever he ends up next.

“From my point-of-view, I’m excited. I came in with the manager as a first team coach initially, so for me, and I’m sure for the manager, not a whole pile will change from our day-to-day working.

“It’s a fantastic one for me, there’s a bit of pride to have once been playing here, being first team coach and now assistant manager, so I’m delighted.

“From Stephen’s point of view, I know what he wants. I’ve worked with him before so it allows me to have a little bit more influence on things, potentially with staff and with the academy. It puts more responsibility at my door which is brilliant.

“I can try and drive certain things that he likes and he wants because he doesn’t have the time to do it. He has enough balls in the air trying to get points and look at transfer windows and different things like that, so it allows me to crack on with the other stuff and take a little bit off his plate if possible.”

As he unveiled O’Carroll as his new assistant, Robinson spoke highly of his attributes as a coach.

“I brought Diarmuid to the football club, I knew what he could bring to it. He’s a fantastic coach.

“He’s a brilliant personality around the place, very, very popular among the players, so I think it’s a really good step up for Diarmuid as well. He’ll be a fantastic help to me as he always is.”