Former Ireland Under-21 forward makes winning start to Newcastle United coaching role

Premier League side Newcastle United last week appointed Kerry native Diarmuid O’Carroll as their new Under-21 lead coach.

Former Ireland Under-21 forward Diarmuid O’Carroll feels there is more to come after making a winning start to his new role at Premier League giants Newcastle United.

O’Carroll was last week named Under-21s lead coach at the St James’ Park club and he marked his first two outings in his new job with wins - first against Blackburn Rovers in the league and on Tuesday night in the National League Cup against Halifax Town.

The Magpies trailed at half-time at The Shay, but came back with two second-half strikes, with Ireland underage defender Cathal Heffernan captaining the side.

READ MORE: How much Shamrock Rovers have earned so far in Europe and what they could bank against APOEL

READ MORE: Champions League record wins and losses as Brendan Rogers' Celtic suffer Borussia Dortmund bashing

O’Carroll (37) arrived at Newcastle from Scottish side St Mirren, where he was assistant manager. He will remain on Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill’s backroom team, where he has served since March 2023.

The Killarney native kicked off his cross-channel career at Celtic, but did not make a first-team appearance there. He played first-team football at Morecambe, Airdrie, Icelandic side Valur, Glenavon, Cliftonville, Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts. He was appointed St Mirren assistant manager in early 2022.

Reacting to the Halifax game, O’Carroll said: “We tweaked a few things, tactically, at half-time and the mindset was much different and better in the second-half.

“It was a great experience for them. That was a real men's game, with a bit of bite, fight and late tackles but that's what you want. In the end, they had to dig in and defend their box, which shows resilience and heart as well. They deserved their win.”

Next up is a Premier League 2 game against Aston Villa on Saturday and O’Carroll is hoping to make it three wins from three.

“I still think we can turn it up another notch and there are more levels to come from the lads but they should be proud of their nights' work,” he said.

“I thought we played well in the first-half (against Blackburn) on Friday and then we were poor at times in the second-half. (Against Halifax) I thought it was the opposite, better without possession but a little bit safe on the ball, in front of people and into feet but that changed in the second-half.

“I'm looking forward to the time when we put it all together and I think we'll be a really good side if we keep improving.”

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.