Lincoln City are delighted to welcome Richard O'Donnell as the club’s First Team Development Coach.
The 34-year-old joins Michael Appleton’s coaching team from Hull City, after spending over a decade coaching with the Tigers.
A former academy footballer for the likes of Scunthorpe United and Barnsley, O'Donnell's playing career came to an end prematurely following a recurring injury. It was after this when he turned his attention to coaching, acquiring his UEFA A Licence at the age of 21.
He began his coaching career working in York City’s youth set-up before becoming a part-time coach at the Tigers’ Academy in August 2008, working with the Under-15 and Under-16 sides. He was then made a full-time coach six-years later.
Speaking about joining the setup at LNER Stadium, O'Donnell said: "I will work with the first team but there will also be a close relationship with the players who are out on loan and in the academy with a chance of stepping into the first-team environment.
“I have settled in really well; it is probably made easier with the personal relationship I have with the manager. I have known him for the last 16-years really closely. The players have all taken to me well, so I am looking forward to working with them. There is a good atmosphere around the place with all the backroom staff as well."