Diarmuid O'Carroll's Northern Ireland future made clear as he completes 'exciting' Newcastle United switch

A picture of Diarmuid O'Carroll with Michael O'Neill
-Credit: (Image: INPHO/Presseye/Philip Magowan)


Diarmuid O'Carroll said the opportunity to join Newcastle United was a "really exciting one" after his move from St Mirren was confirmed by the Premier League outfit.

O'Carroll will take over as Lead Coach with the Under-21s at St James Park following his departure from the Buddies. The former Crusaders and Cliftonville man also confirmed he will continue on in his role as part of Michael O'Neill's coaching set-up.

For now though all his attention will be on his new role, where he will initially be assisted by Head of Coach Development, Jack Ross. O'Carroll can't wait to get started as he takes the next step in his coaching journey.

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"I'm really excited to come in," he told the club website. "It's a role I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into. The club speaks for itself in terms of the size, stature and fanbase.

"It's a really exciting time now as well with the ownership and everything that is planned going forward. The opportunity to come in is something I would've never expected, but when it come across my desk, it was a really exciting one and a quick process."

O'Carroll also worked with Steven Robinson at Morecambe after beginning his coaching journey with the women's teams at Crusaders and Glentoran. Newcastle United’s Academy director, Steve Harper spoke of his delight in bringing O'Carroll to the club calling him an "exceptional coach".

"I’m delighted Diarmuid has accepted the opportunity to become Lead Coach of Newcastle United Under-21s," said Harper. “He is a young, progressive and ambitious coach, and will play a key role in supporting our talent pathway into the first team.

“We have gone through a rigorous process, and in Diarmuid, we have an exceptional coach and person joining us. I’d like to welcome him to the Newcastle United family.” Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s sporting director, echoed those sentiments saying: “Diarmuid is a very highly regarded coach and is a great fit for the profile we have been looking to recruit.

“He has amassed a wealth of experience during the formative years of his coaching career, working across youth, men’s and women’s club football and at international level. The Academy is a cornerstone of our sporting strategy, and Diarmuid’s role is a crucial one in preparing players for the next significant step in their development journeys."

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