St Mirren Football Club can confirm that assistant manager Diarmuid O’Carroll has departed the club to take up a role at English Premier League side Newcastle United.
Diarmuid leaves Saints to become Under-21s Lead Coach at the Magpies.
The Irishman joined St Mirren as assistant in February 2022 – following manager Stephen Robinson from Morecambe FC. His development during his time at Saints saw him offered the opportunity to become Senior Coach with the Northern Ireland national team and he now moves on to a new challenge down south.
The club is delighted to confirm that Brian Kerr will move up from his role as Head of First Team Transition to become our new assistant manager. Brian, who was formerly assistant at Motherwell, joined Saints last year as U18s coach before being named Head of First Team Transition in the summer – a role that saw him working more closely with the first team players and coaching staff. Work is underway to appoint a replacement for Brian’s previous role as Head of First Team Transition.
Stephen Robinson wished his departing assistant success in his new role and thanked him for his efforts during his time at St Mirren.
"Diarmuid has been excellent for us," the manager told stmirren.com.
"An opportunity arose and it’s a terrific opportunity for him. We wish him nothing but success and we thank him for the part he has played in our relative success as well.
We’re a club that develops coaches and moves people as well as players and Diarmuid is another example of this.
"Brian Kerr will be moving up to assistant manager. As any good club with organisation does, you prepare for these things. Brian was already in place and has worked with the first team for the last year as well. He will be a fantastic replacement for Diarmuid.
"We will appoint a new Head of Transition Phase and first team coach. We again thank Diarmuid for his hard work and wish him nothing but success."
Brian Kerr will take on the role as assistant manager
New assistant manager Brian Kerr added: "I’m delighted to be given the opportunity.
I’ve been working with the manager and the first team group for a while now but to move up to assistant is something I’m really looking forward to.
"I’ve been an assistant previously. It’s something I’m excited about and a good result at the weekend puts us in a good position going forward."
Outgoing Diarmuid said: "I’ve had two-and-a-half fantastic years and I’ve made memories that I will never forget.
"I’ve no doubt that the club will continue to grow and prosper with the manager at the helm, and I wish everyone associated at the club, from the board to the fans, nothing but continued success."
