Liffey Wanderers FC

Started off with local side Cambridge boys at the age of 6 all the way up till 15 then headed to Home Farm at U16 and then ended my school boy football with St Pats FC. 

Possession based when possible, move the ball through the thirds and move the ball really quickly and get it back really quickly when you lose it, so hard work with and without the ball is massive. 

A massive one is my da, Rocky O Brien although he would not like being called a coach, I grew up in dressing rooms with my da managing teams like Bangor Celtic and Belgrove it was such a big part of my childhood and had a massive influence in the road I chose to go down in life and football being both a hobby and working full time in coaching, second one is Daniel McGuinness a local lad and a personal friend of mine for many years, he got the ball rolling and got me started on my team coaching journey last year without his push to get me involved I would not be in the position I am today both in my personal job and with Liffeys. 

Third person is Daniel Cleary who currently plays for Shamrock Rovers and is still involved with Old County when playing under Dan I really liked his coaching style and how he wants to play the game. 

I played a 4-3-3 this season, but I do really like a 3-5-2 shape so I would pick that if I had to pick one. 

Enjoyment is a big one. I try put myself in players shoes right would I like to be doing this drill or practice as a player. So yes enjoyment for starters, another big one is tempo there has to be high tempo throughout and also quality has to be there of course. Purpose of the session needs to be there too whether that’s working on crossing and finishing or shape to combat an upcoming opponent etc. 

I did the football FAS course in Ringsend after I finished school which the led me on to doing my college degree in IT Carlow where I got my badges along that journey and it all just rolled from there really. 

Don’t take for granted what your players might know or not know about the game or overall understanding of the game that’s both with and without the ball. Don’t assume just cause it’s in your head as a coach/manager. Give clear and precise information that’s nailed down. 

Rigid way of playing with the ball so trying to move it quickly and with purpose to then attack and creates chances. Shape wise or defensive set up can change depending on players strengths and weaknesses at our disposal and also depending on opponents your facing. But bottom line whatever way your team can be successful should be your way of playing and setting up. 

Simple, be successful. That’s both with managing Liffeys and club based success and with my job - Be The Difference and trying to develop players and help them reach there goals and potential on a daily basis. 

To be named as Liffey Wanderers Sunday manager at the age of 29 last season when I took over and it being only my second season in coaching/management was a real honour and privilege and always will be. Like I said above playing under the great Wembo as a 18 year old kid to then one day say I am now managing such a great club with such great history and such great people involved will always be something I will be very proud of. I said when I took over I am aiming to bring success to the club and it’s something I won’t stop doing until my time has to come to an end whenever that may be.