Arsenal’s Head of Sports Medicine, Gary O’Driscoll, is set to join Liverpool, according to @Gunnerblog writing in The Athletic (£).
O’Driscoll oversees the Gunners’ medical department comprised of doctors, physios, performance specialists, researchers and alike. He’s based at London Colney and works with the first team, under-21s and academy players.
Apparently a popular member of staff (we’ve met him, he’s lovely), Gary joined the Gunners in 2009 after six years as team doctor to Ireland rugby.
We’re guessing here, but we reckon he probably has a lengthy notice period which means we’re not being left in the lurch.
The report says that Mikel Arteta, who spent a fair few hours in Gary’s treatment room during the final year of his playing career, tried to persuade him to stay when he heard the news, but the doc’s decision had been made.
Technical Director Edu is said to be actively looking for his replacement and the club have even gone public on a job advert.
An overview of the role details the following duties: “To act as First Team Physician and lead the Club’s Medical Department by overseeing all aspects of player welfare, injury and illness diagnosis, recovery, rehabilitation and return to play.
“To maximise player availability by ensuring the accurate prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries and operating a proactive approach to player care.
“To uphold the highest standards of clinical practice, governance and ethics, in line with the General Medical Council (GMC) and all relevant football governing bodies (to include FIFA, UEFA, The FA and the Premier League).”
Should be accurate in giving expected time of return for players.
Very importantly no setbacks for players that is declared fit.
Goodluck!
Yup. 1st one should be a key criteria. We’ve had too many missed datelines.
This is a hugely specialised position and he clearly is well liked and has the players trust. I hope we get an excellent replacement but there can’t be that many around surely? The last thing we need is the doctor equivalent of Unai Emery, a dud doctor could be catastrophic.
Who’s the one currently at liverpool? Or get another guy from rugby/ boxing/ navy seal etc
What about David Goggins? Might end up killing some of our players through exhaustion / accidents though…
Dr Nick Riviera?
I would love to see some of the applications the club receives from people who are trying to have a laugh.
That poundsign after “The Athletic” xD
I believe it’s to show that the site is behind a pay wall, rather than being a dig.
Busy job given the extent of our injury list. Perhaps we need a doctor who can analyse just why we get so many?
Sounds like we need to keep this guy.
Take what Liverpool have offered him …and add one pound.
That’ll show them what we’re smoking.
Irish, they’re all dodgy geezers those Irishmen…
Knowing this club, we already have Dr. Nick Riviera ready to replace him.
Slow down, Guendouzi! You’re going to give yourself skin failure!
Upon reading the headline, I too immediately thought of Nick Riviera. I don’t know if that’s more tragic or comic.
That sucks!
Hi everybody!
Going into semi retirement Almost, if you look at the injuries they’ve had compared to us. Probably be able to do a 2 day week, instead of the 8 he’s working now. Can’t compete with that!