O'Brien completes Fenlon's Hibs team
PAT FENLON has finalised his back-room team at Hibernian, confirming that Liam O'Brien will take over as first-team coach at Easter Road.
The former Newcastle United and Ireland midfielder has worked under Fenlon at Bohemians as his assistant manager and has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal that expires at the end of the 2013/14 season.
O'Brien (47) will work under Billy Brown, who stays as assistant manager and Fenlon was happy to add his old colleague to his coaching ticket.
"I'm delighted to be able to put such a strong management team together," he said. "Billy possesses an incredible knowledge of the Scottish game and the strengths that Liam brings will be extremely valuable to the club."
Meanwhile, defenders Alan Keane and Gavin Peers have committed their futures to Sligo Rovers for another season.
Both players have been central to the club's recent success and Peers had been the target of a number of Scottish clubs since the FAI Cup final but the centre-half has committed to Rovers for another year.
Galway native Keane was glad to commit to the Bit O'Red.
"I love it here and I have ambitions to win more trophies and improve," he said. "There were a few small things to sort out and this time of year brings a lot of uncertainty so it is great to come to the agreement.
"I moved down to Sligo and settled in very well. It is a great football town and the fans love the club and want to see it do well.
"I'm already looking forward to next season. We want to go one better in the league and retain the FAI Cup again and that is the challenge in front of us."
- Ruaidhri O'Connor
Irish Independent
