Liverpool have named Sean O’Driscoll as their new assistant manager and elevated Pepijn Lijnders to the role of first-team development coach as part of a shake-up of Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff.

Every week, Steve Neville will be looking at the positives in the world in sport. This week he looks at AFC Bournemouth and how they went from near financial ruin to a chance of playing in the Premier League.

Barring a miracle of epic proportions on Saturday, Ireland’s strong historical connections with Bournemouth will be enhanced in the Premier League next season.

Wigan 1 AFC Bournemouth 1

NORWICH suffered a stunning 4-0 home defeat at the hands of npower League One leaders MK Dons as the three newly-promoted Premier League clubs exited the Carling Cup at the second-round stage last night.

Bournemouth 1 West Brom 4

Burnley boss Steve Cotterill has begun his summer recruitment process by securing the signatures of Bournemouth duo Wade Elliott and Gareth O’Connor.

Torquay surprisingly dropped into Coca-Cola League Two today as MK Dons avoided a second-successive relegation thanks to a 2-1 win over Tranmere at the National Hockey Stadium.

Giant-killing Bournemouth’s Carling Cup adventure came to a cruel end at Dean Court as the League One side were beaten on penalties by Championship outfit Cardiff after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Middlesbrough will begin their defence of the Carling Cup against Coventry.

A twice-taken Chris Iwelumo penalty gave Stoke the lead in the FA Cup fourth-round tie in injury time.