New Everton manager Derrick O'Donovan excited about the new season and his new role at the club

Derrick O’Donovan is looking forward to a new chapter in his coaching career after taking charge of the Everton senior team ahead of the new season.

O’Donovan’s appointment came after Chris Fox, who had initially approached him about coming in as head coach, stepped away from the role due to family commitments.

With the position subsequently advertised, O’Donovan applied and went through the interview process with the club’s chairman and board before being given the opportunity to lead the team.

“I had been approached by Chris Fox to come in as his head coach but he stepped away because of family commitments,” O’Donovan said.

“So the club advertised the role, I applied, done a couple of interviews with the chairman and the board, thankfully, they felt I was the right person for the job.” 

The new Everton boss has already had the opportunity to work with his squad during pre-season and believes there has been plenty of encouragement in the early stages.

“Pre-season has gone well. 

"It’s been great getting to know the players, understanding our strengths and implementing our principles of play.” 

O’Donovan has also put together a backroom team combining experience, knowledge and a strong understanding of the club. 

Eric Goulding has joined the coaching staff, having previously worked with O’Donovan, while Will Ahern and Patsy Burke remain involved with the senior side.

“Eric brings a huge amount of experience with him. He’s someone I trust and respect massively. 

"He can work with goalkeepers along with the outfield players, which is invaluable as a coach.” 

Ahern, who has only recently retired from playing, brings a wealth of experience of his own.

“His commitment and dedication so far has been second to none. He is eager to progress on his coaching journey and so far has shown he’s more than capable.” 

And then there is Burke, a familiar and hugely valued figure around the club.

“What can you say about Patsy? Absolute diamond for a start,” O’Donovan joked.

“Kitman, helper, groundsman, clubman, legend. Not afraid to give input on football observations as well. 

"The best in the business at what he does.” 

There has also been plenty of movement in the playing squad, with O’Donovan adding several experienced and versatile players to an already strong core.

Graham McCarthy arrives with League of Ireland experience and plenty of silverware, including several Intermediate Cup successes. 

Ryan Mealy has joined from Avondale Juniors to strengthen the defence, while Darragh O’Brien also arrives from Avondale and offers the ability to play in a number of positions.

David Murphy returns to Everton having previously played for the club before emigrating to Australia, while Dylan O’Sullivan is another versatile addition who has particularly caught the new manager’s eye.

“I’m really excited to get the chance to work with Dylan. He has super potential.” 

While the squad may have ambitions for the season, O’Donovan is keen to ensure his players remain focused on the task immediately in front of them rather than looking too far ahead.

“As we’ve said at the start to the lads, we’re looking at the next game, next training, implement what we work on, train and play week to our maximum and we’ll see where it takes us. 

"Never look too far ahead.” 

That approach has already produced positive signs, with Everton making steady progress during pre-season and early fixtures.

Reflecting on a recent victory, O’Donovan was pleased with the response of his players after falling behind before half-time.

“We’re happy with the win, of course. There’s been steady improvement week on week so far, so we can’t ask for more really.

“We went one down before half-time, but the lads responded excellently in the second half. 

"To be honest, we played really good football at times, which is very encouraging.” 

For O’Donovan, the Everton appointment represents the latest stage of a coaching journey that began almost by chance around 2019/20, when he started taking sessions with Village United.

He progressed into management before moving to Cobh Ramblers MU17s as a coach. 

Over a three-year period, he served as interim manager on several occasions before taking charge permanently for the 2024/25 season.

He departed Cobh Ramblers last November, bringing with him valuable experience and a UEFA B Licence, which he completed last year in Abbotstown.

Now, with a new club, a new squad and a new challenge ahead, O’Donovan is eager to see what Everton can achieve in the MSL First Division.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and the new challenges that MSL First Division brings.”