RIP Brian O’Donnell – 8th August 1957 - 5th November 2020

Brian O'Donnell, who joined Rovers on trial on 19th May 1976 along with Billy Foreman, died on 5th November at the age of 63.

O'Donnell began his career as an apprentice with Bournemouth, but was released. He turned professional with Bristol Rovers in May 1976, but was released without playing for them. He moved to Australia and played for Blacktown City Demons before rejoining Bournemouth in January 1982.

He then signed for Torquay United, in October 1982, but after making 19 league appearances he returned to Australia and rejoined Blacktown City.

In February 1986, O'Donnell returned to the UK and joined Bath City. He played regularly for Bath until leaving in May 1987 when he joined Basingstoke Town, later playing for Bashley, Poole Town and Salisbury City. He was appointed as manager of Bournemouth Sports CMFC in 1993 and took over as manager of Bournemouth Poppies in February 2000.

In January 2001 he took over as manager of Poole Town but left them in August that year.

He later returned to Bournemouth as their youth coach and in February 2009 he joined the coaching staff at Dorchester Town as caretaker manager.

He subsequently moved on to become caretaker manager of Frome Town and a national scout for Middlesbrough following similar spells with West Bromwich Albion and Hibernian, before becoming Director of Football at Dorchester Town.