Ross Oliver has been a central figure in Linfield’s footballing success over the last decade, working closely alongside manager David Healy to build a formidable partnership on and off the pitch.
With league titles, youth development achievements, and new coaching opportunities with West Ham United, I sat down with him as he reflects on the journey so far and what lies ahead.
You have spent a decade at Linfield, much of it in close partnership with David Healy. What do you think has been the foundation of your successful working relationship, and how has that contributed to the club’s sustained achievements during that time?
“I got to know David through a mutual friend, Chris O’Loughlin, who’s now Sporting Director at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. Chris and I were doing our A Licence together and became friendly. He had worked with Jim Magilton at Melbourne Victory, and when Jim started at the club, I had just come in as well.
“David had just retired from playing, and Jim put us together. We began working in various age groups, and over time we just clicked — same values, same principles, similar backgrounds. In 2015, when David was offered the Linfield job, he rang me straight away and said, ‘I want you to come with me.’ The rest is history.”
“I think the key to the success that we have had so far is that we are always learning and developing — that’s key. We push each other to be better every day. We have just won the league, but already we are talking about next season and how we can improve.
“The expectations at Linfield are massive. It is like being at Rangers or Celtic — you are expected to win every game. A loss is a crisis. So, standing still is not an option. We have got to keep evolving — ourselves, our players, our staff.”
How satisfying was it to win the title again this season, especially with new challengers like Larne coming through in recent seasons?
“Very satisfying because it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and resilience too. What we have done well over the years is focus on ourselves. We do not get distracted by what other teams are doing, even when there’s major investment elsewhere.
“You must work within your own means — player-wise, budget-wise — and make the most of it. The points we accumulated in recent seasons, when Larne won the league, would have won it in any other year. So, we are always there or thereabouts.
“We control what we can control. That consistency has been key.”
You and David have a great reputation for developing young players. How rewarding is that part of the job?
“It is a huge part of what we do and to be honest, I do not feel that we get enough credit for that, particularly the gaffer.
“David knows every youth player at the club — their names, their parents — and he goes to as many youth games as possible.
“Players like Trai Hume, now doing brilliantly at Sunderland, and others like Braiden Graham at Everton, all came through our system. But we also acknowledge the coaches and volunteers who work with them before they reach us — they deserve so much credit.
“Once they are with us, it is our job to take them to the next level. Added to the work that David and I do, we have George McCartney on our staff who has played in the Premier League and at international level too so when it comes to mentoring them that is invaluable.”
“File:GeorgeMcCartneyWH‒.jpg” by Egghead06 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Is qualifying for the group stages of European competition the next big target?
“Absolutely — that is the next step. We have come close a few times, but things did not quite go our way.
“Larne have shown what is possible, but also how challenging it can be to balance European football with domestic success. For us, it would not be acceptable to do well in Europe but fall short in the league — our fans expect us to compete on all fronts. So, it is about finding the right balance.”
You have also worked with Stephen Robinson, who is now doing incredibly well with St Mirren. What was that experience like?
“Brilliant. I worked with him for a couple of years before he went to Motherwell. I learned so much — his attention to detail, organisation, and the way he structured sessions took my coaching to another level.
“He always had that drive to improve and go further. You could tell he was going to make it in the game.”
Finally, Ross, as well as your work at Linfield, you are also now involved with West Ham United. How did that come about and what does it entail?
“Yeah, it came about through a conversation regarding youth football. A coach working for West Ham was looking to set up a small academy in Northern Ireland, and several young players have started going there.
“Due to my working relationship with George McCartney – who is a former West Ham player – they asked me to come in and work alongside George and having done so already at Linfield, it was an easy decision for me. We have got a great working relationship, and I have been doing the work with West Ham for about eight months now.
“Our role is to work with the West Ham coaches within the system over here in Northern Ireland to help develop the footballing curriculum for the next generation coming through. It has been brilliant so far.”
Featured image: Linfield Football Club
Callum McFadden 