According to the Athletic (subscription required), Arsenal’s head of medical services Gary O’Driscoll has decided to stay at the Gunners after previously agreeing to join Liverpool.
The Athletic claim that a late change of heart spurred O’Driscoll’s decision, Liverpool had sought the medical chief as a replacement for Andrew Massey – who recently became FIFA’s medical director.
Arsenal fans should be delighted that they’ve managed to keep hold of such a key member of staff.
O’Driscoll’s move to Liverpool seemed like it was completed as the Arsenal doctor reportedly submitted his resignation in January.
The Gunners even advertised for the medical chief’s replacement:
🚨| #AFC
Arsenal’s head of Medical services Gary O’Driscoll has decided to join Liverpool FC. However, Arsenal will not let him leave until a replacement is found.
The club have already started advertising for the role as head of sports medicine.
📸: [Gunners Live] pic.twitter.com/ggnfqE5pyk
— afcSource™ (@afcSource) January 15, 2020
The Athletic claim that pleas from Edu and manager Mikel Arteta convinced O’Driscoll to change his mind.
O’Driscoll is certainly regarded as one of the best in his field if a club like Liverpool were keen on his services.
O’Driscoll has a very impressive resume, the medical chief has formerly acted as the official doctor for the British & Irish Lions rugby tours.
O’Driscoll’s 11 years with the Gunners will continue, this is a massive coup for the north London outfit.
Damn!
Agree TMJW.
I must say how insulting I found the comment “O’Driscoll is certainly regarded as one of the best in his, field if a club like Liverpool is interested in his services”….. did it not occur to the author that a big club like The Arsenal was why he joined us and has decided to stay above Liverpool?
I must also ask why neither club cannot find anyone with a footballing resume?