Doncaster midfielder James Coppinger has admitted he is not surprised by the interest in Sean O'Driscoll.
Doncaster midfielder hails Blades target O'Driscoll
Doncaster midfielder James Coppinger has admitted he is not surprised by the interest in Sean O'Driscoll but hopes the manager will stay.
O'Driscoll has been identified by Sheffield United as a possible replacement for Gary Speed, who has taken the Wales job.
The Blades have been given permission to speak with O'Driscoll and he is currently keeping his options open, which Coppinger can understand.
However, the 29-year-old hopes his boss will decide to remain at the Keepmoat Stadium and carry on the good work he has been doing since 2006.
"I am never surprised when the manager is linked with other jobs," Coppinger, Rovers' longest-serving player, told the
Yorkshire Post.
"He has done a fantastic job for Doncaster so why wouldn't anyone else be interested?
"He has been here a number of years now and you never know what is around the corner.
"The manager looks at the bigger picture, it is the same with players. If an opportunity arises, for whatever reason, a job for you, or a team you want to play for, if everything is right, why not do it?
"I suppose that has crossed the manager's mind. Only time will tell."
Meticulous
O'Driscoll was considered for the Burnley job midway through last season following Owen Coyle's switch to Bolton, but the role eventually went to Brian Laws.
Coppinger, who has been at Doncaster since 2004, is full of admiration for the way O'Driscoll goes about his business.
"I want him to stay," he insisted. "He was going to Burnley last season and that was disappointing from the players' perspective. His record speaks for itself.
"For us to stay in the Championship three seasons gives him a lot of confidence. We have done well every season and I think he has improved as a manager along the way.
"He is very different to any other manager I have worked with.
"He comes across really well, he is good at his job, and he is very meticulous about what he does. Not a lot of managers are like that."
