Sean O’Driscoll born on July 1, 1957
Sean had a distinguished playing career, making over 600 senior appearances with Fulham and AFC Bournemouth, before becoming the latter’s manager in August 2000. The Republic of Ireland international took Bournemouth to promotion via the play-offs in 2003. In September 2006 he was something of a surprise choice as the successor to Dave Penney as Rovers’ manager.
He led Rovers to success in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in April 2007. A year later his team won the League One Play-Off Final, beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to return to the second tier after an absence of 50 years. Rovers finished 14th, 12th and 21st in the Championship under Sean, who was hugely respected by his players and was much admired for an entertaining brand of passing football.
In September 2011, following a poor start to the season, he lost his job as Rovers manager. Subsequently he managed Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Walsall, and was assistant to Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. He is currently Head of the Academy at Portsmouth.