Former Rotherham United midfielder Michael O’Connor has been backed to succeed in his first managerial job after being appointed as Glenavon boss.
The 38-year-old, who enjoyed spells with Scunthorpe United, Port Vale and Lincoln City during a lengthy career, has stepped into management for the first time after working as an assistant at Newry City and Coleraine.
O’Connor Tipped For Success In Glenavon Rebuild
O’Connor’s former colleague Gary Boyle, who previously worked alongside him at Newry, believes the Northern Irishman has the qualities to turn around Glenavon’s fortunes after a disastrous start to the campaign. The Lurgan Blues have lost all 11 league matches so far, marking the worst top-flight opening since the 1964/65 season.
Boyle, now manager of Warrenpoint Town, described his former assistant as a meticulous and driven professional with the skills to inspire change.
“Michael is somebody who I worked with and have kept in touch with,” Boyle said. “I know he was champing at the bit to get back in, and with a big club like Glenavon, albeit in the predicament they’re in, you can’t turn it down.
“He’ll know it’s a massive task, but he’s well prepared for it. He knows the club, the league and what it’s all about, so it was a good decision by Glenavon to appoint him. It’s his first managerial role, but he’s been involved in coaching at a very good level for a long time.”
O’Connor’s coaching career began under Boyle at Newry City in 2023, where his arrival was hailed as a major coup following an impressive playing career that saw him earn 11 caps for Northern Ireland. He later joined Dean Shiels’ backroom staff at Coleraine, helping the Bannsiders transition into full-time football before leaving earlier this year.
Boyle praised O’Connor’s professionalism and presence on the training ground, highlighting his ability to command respect through both experience and preparation.
“He earns that respect, and as soon as he talks, people listen,” Boyle added. “Having a career like his helps, but you then have to deliver, and Michael is superb on the pitch with his sessions and how he sets stuff up. His preparation is so professional, having come from that full-time environment.”
Huge Task Ahead At Mourneview Park
Glenavon currently sit bottom of the table, 10 points adrift of safety, and have scored only 3 league goals all season. Despite that record, Boyle believes there is enough quality within the squad for O’Connor to engineer a turnaround.
“In the summer when they were signing players, a lot of clubs were envious of the quality on paper,” Boyle said. “Hopefully he can instil some confidence and belief because that will generate momentum. Everybody knows that’s the biggest thing in football.”
O’Connor faces an immediate challenge in lifting morale and tightening a leaky defence, but his familiarity with the club and reputation for discipline could prove decisive in halting Glenavon’s slide.
Writer’s View
This appointment feels like a natural next step for Michael O’Connor, whose leadership qualities were evident throughout his playing career. His grounding in English football with Rotherham United and others, combined with recent coaching experience in the Irish League, gives him a well-rounded perspective.
Glenavon’s predicament is severe, but O’Connor’s blend of passion, professionalism and tactical understanding offers real hope that he can spark a revival at Mourneview Park.
