Manchester United has a new Northern Ireland connection after Andy O'Boyle was appointed Deputy Director of Football.
O'Boyle will link up with Football Director John Murtough in driving United's strategy across the first team, Academy and women’s team.
The Co Antrim native returns to Old Trafford, some 16 years after he previously coached at the club's Academy where he worked with young players including Marcus Rashford.
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It is an exciting new role for the 39-year-old, and coincides with Erik ten Hag's arrival as manager.
But who is Andy O'Boyle?
Here's some more background information.
Co Antrim roots...
Andy O’Boyle was born in Ballymena and is one of five children who grew up on the family's farm in County Antrim.
Speaking in 2016, O'Boyle said: “I grew up near Ballymena, one of five children. I have a brother who is a vet in America, one who is training to be a policeman in Canada, a sister who is a dentist and another brother who lives at home on my parents’ farm.
“I go back home for a few days in the summer and help out on the farm and switch off from football.
“We have sheep, goats, turkeys and cows and when I wasn’t playing football or Gaelic football as a kid, I was helping on the farm after school.”
Football career
O'Boyle went to Liverpool University and won a football scholarship to Rhode Island in the United States.
The now 39-year-old's first football job was at Wrexham where he started off working with the Welsh club's youth teams before progressing to first-team duties.
O'Boyle was offered a role at Manchester United’s academy in 2008, but chose to become Head of Sports Science at Coventry City.
He then moved to the Football Association where he worked as Under-21 physical performance coach, and then made the move to Anfield before working as head of elite performance at the Premier League.
What will his role be at United?
According to Manchester United, O'Boyle will "provide support to John Murtough, Football Director, in driving the club’s football strategy across the first team, Academy and women’s team".
What did he do at the Premier League?
O'Boyle was the Premier League's head of elite performance, responsible for advising clubs on talent identification and recruitment, performance analysis, sports science and medicine, psychology, and loan management.
He also played a key role in the Premier League’s Covid-19 response, working closely with the government and clubs on protocols to ensure the safe continuation of football during the pandemic.
Liverpool job
O'Boyle worked at Liverpool FC before taking up the role at the Premier League. He spent six years at Anfield (2011-17), first as head of elite fitness, then as first-team fitness coach since October 2015. At one stage he was head of fitness and conditioning under Jurgen Klopp.
United's in his DNA...
O’Boyle is a lifelong Manchester United supporter and actually played at the club's Centre of Excellence in his native Northern Ireland before switching focus to coaching and sports science.
What they said...
John Murtough: “We are delighted to welcome Andy back to Manchester United to take up this important role in the club’s leadership. Andy has experience across all technical areas of football, from fitness and sports science to scouting and recruitment. This will make him a valuable addition to my team at Carrington as we continue to strengthen leadership and strategic planning across all our football activities.”
Andy O'Boyle: “I am thrilled to be rejoining Manchester United at such an exciting time for the club, as the first team prepares for a fresh start under Erik ten Hag, and the Academy and women’s teams go from strength to strength. Whilst it has been a privilege to serve the Premier League for the past five years, I can’t wait to get started at United and play my part in creating the right environment for football success.”
Other plans...
The 39-year-old will gain a Uefa Pro Licence this summer and is working on a doctorate.
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