PAT FENLON HAS boosted Hibernian’s Irish contingent by drafting former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam O’Brien into his backroom staff at Easter Road.
O’Brien, Fenlon’s assistant at Bohemians, was confirmed as the Edinburgh club’s new first team coach yesterday as the Dubliner seeks to put his own stamp on the dressing room.
Coaches Gareth Evans and Alistair Stevenson were released by Hibs following Fenlon’s appointment, but Billy Brown — the team’s caretaker manager following Colin Calderwood’s sacking — will remain on in his role as assistant manager.
After watching Hibs’ 3-1 defeat away to St Johnstone from the stands on Saturday, Fenlon said that the changes were important if he is to effect an immediate change in fortunes.
“When you’re starting off a job it is good to have people around you who understand how you work quickly,” Fenlon told Hibernian TV.
Sometimes when you come in it can take a little bit of time and I don’t think we have that at the moment. So it was important Liam came in with Billy and we can try to hit the ground running.
“The people, who have left have done a great job for the club. But I think things have to move on and change at times.”
O’Brien spent eight seasons in the Premier League as a player with Manchester United and then Newcastle. Since retirement, the 47-year-old has had two spells in Bohemians’ backroom as well as a stint as assistant manager to Roddy Collins at Shamrock Rovers.
“I’ve known Liam a long time,” Fenlon said. “He is a very good coach, good around the training ground and I’ve got a good relationship with him.”
When I first went into Bohemians, Liam came in and worked with me as a coach. We had a fair bit of success together. So he was an important part of what I wanted to do here.
