Walsall's Richard O'Kelly in talks to become new Bristol City assistant coach
Bristol City have approached Walsall's Richard O'Kelly as they step-up their search for a coach to assist new boss Sean O'Driscoll.
As revealed in The Post last week, former Saddlers striker O'Kelly is O'Driscoll's preferred choice and the two clubs were today in discussions regarding the future of the 56-year-old.
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Richard O'Kelly: Walsall number two in talks to become new Bristol City assistant coach.
City asked permission to speak to O'Kelly last night and hope to have him on board within the next 24 hours.
O'Kelly signed a one-year contract with the Saddlers last June and the clubs are currently thrashing out a compensation package.
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Walsall manager Dean Smith wants his right-hand man to stay, but O'Kelly is understood to be keen to revive his partnership with Wolverhampton-born O'Driscoll, who previously worked with him at AFC Bournemouth and Doncaster Rovers.
A source in the West Midlands told The Post: "Richard has a straightforward choice. Does he continue to work on a project begun eight months ago at the Banks's Stadium or take the chance to move up a division and work with Sean O'Driscoll again?
"Walsall do not want to lose him, but the feeling up here is that things will now move quickly and a deal could be done for Richard to go to Bristol City in the next 24 to 48 hours."
O'Kelly is based in Sutton Coldfield and is prepared to commute from the Midlands to Bristol. Providing the clubs can strike a deal satisfactory to both parties, O'Kelly will be in place before City host Ipswich Town in the npower Championship on Saturday.
8 Comments
by manchestergas
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 1:41AM
“yet more money”
by Frankclack
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 10:01PM
“56 years old!
He probably remembers man to man marking and tackling. Now if he could pass that on it might help.
He might even carry a bucket and sponge ... there's hope for us yet.
Interesting that he is prepared to commute to AG. Face to face coaching is much better than twittering, the average footballers preferred method of communication.
Now there's a thought. If the players took their iphones onto the pitch, S O'D could send them messages during the game.
"Another pass like that and you're off" might concentrate their minds a bit.”
by piledriver
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 7:26PM
“@oldbristolian:
Using your analogy, Dad, you've torn the house apart at least four times, spent a fortune, the roof's missing and the house is worth £200k with a £41m mortgage.Oh, have I mentioned that the builders are on their way around with another bill for about £14m?
And you want more of the same leadership that's brought us here???”
by oldbristolian
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 5:20PM
“@Piledriver
You continue to bang on about the owners and even draw up a list of `I wannas` it is clear sean will have very little funds available to spend this time around..We are in the process of rebuilding at Ashton Gate, kindled to refurbishing your home. You are sounding like the teenage daughter who refuses to accept the new bathroom due to the lack of teenage on suite and so therefore sulking in her own tears until someone reacts. It aint gunner happen dear.”
by Vonner
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 4:49PM
“Looks like we have a couple of deputy headmasters in charge now. I can't see these boys in sharp suits and Bluetooth headsets - that makes me a happy man let's get back to basics...”
by CiderheadNott
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 4:17PM
“Good choice.
Have been successful working together before so will not need to 'get to know each other'.
Seems like a positive step if O'Kelly does come to Ashton Gate.
COYR”
by royaljoe
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 3:52PM
“A very good start if we can get Richard O'kelly and nice to know it's Sean O'Driscoll's choice.
There will be no panicking from them. What they will do is to get the best from the players they have and have them play to their strengths. There is more chance that this could bring more points than loaning players and the little money coming from he boardroom to buy will not provide the answer.”
by piledriver
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 1:50PM
“Very good and I wouldn't expect anyone to change their car never mind move house with our track record!
Now Sean,WITHOUT PANICKING AND I KNOW YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THAT............players???”