UCD AFC appoint William O'Connor as Andy Myler's new assistant after Ian Ryan takes charge of Wexford

Perennial First Division promotion hunters UCD have appointed William O’Connor as the club’s new assistant manager in the wake of Ian Ryan’s move to Wexford.

O’Connor joins Andy Myler’s backroom team having previously been involved with Finn Harps – and most recently as Shelbourne’s under-19 manager.

He was also FAI Schools International manager – where he managed a side that included Eoin Farrell, Adam Lennon and Adam Verdon, all of whom are in the Students’ first-team.

“However, having spoken to people within the game and weighed everything up, the chance to get back into senior football at UCD was something I couldn't refuse,” O’Connor said after being appointed at Belfield.

“I'm looking forward to working at Belfield. The facilities are top class and I'll be working under a good manager in Andy Myler and hopefully we can go on now and continue with the excellent form the team has already been showing in the early part of the season.”

UCD boss Andy Myler added: “Obviously we were sad to see Ian go but we completely understand and support him in his first step into management.

“Ian has been a brilliant coach and member of our group as well as an amazing support personally.

“It's great though that we've been able to replace Ian with someone of the calibre of Willie.

“His football knowledge, coaching ability and experience with Finn harps, managing the Irish schools team and his time with Shelbourne marked him out as someone we were keen to have in our group.”

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