O'Driscoll changes mind on Liverpool to stay at Arsenal
Written by Simon Austin — March 16, 2020
ARSENAL Head of Medical Gary O’Driscoll has decided to remain at the club instead of joining Liverpool.
As TGG reported in January, O’Driscoll had agreed to join the European champions as the replacement for Andy Massey, who left the club after six-and-a-half years to become Director of Medical at Fifa earlier this month.
However, we understand that a contract was not signed and O'Driscoll changed his mind after being persuaded to stay by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard was appointed manager of the Gunners on 20th December and, having worked with O’Driscoll during his time as a player at the club, was eager for him to remain.
Although the practitioner originally hails from the North West, he was conflicted about uprooting his young family and Arteta’s overtures proved decisive.
Liverpool have subsequently held talks with another experienced Premier League club doctor about the vacancy, but he has decided to remain at his club.
Since Massey's departure, Academy doctor Jim Moxon has been promoted to first team duties a Anfield and has been on the bench for their last three matches, alongside Massey’s wife Sarah Lindsay.
Experienced physio Richie Partridge also left Liverpool this month, to join the Qatar FA, while colleague Christopher Rohrbeck is due to depart at the end of the year as well. Steve Lilley is coming in from Manchester City to bolster the staff but further recruitment is underway.
O'Driscoll joined Arsenal as club doctor in 2009 and was promoted to Head of Medical, replacing the club stalwart Colin Lewin, in 2017.