Andy O'Brien (footballer)

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For the New Zealand dual-code rugby international, see Andrew O'Brien (rugby).

Andy O'Brien
Personal information
Full name Andrew James O'Brien
Date of birth (1979-06-29) 29 June 1979 (age 44)
Place of birth Harrogate, England
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)[1]
Position(s) Centre-back
Youth career
0000–1994 Leeds United
1994–1996 Bradford City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–2001 Bradford City 133 (3)
2001–2005 Newcastle United 120 (6)
2005–2007 Portsmouth 32 (0)
2007–2011 Bolton Wanderers 74 (1)
2010–2011 → Leeds United (loan) 11 (1)
2011–2012 Leeds United 23 (1)
2012–2014 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 50 (0)
Total 443 (12)
International career
England U18 1 (0)
1999 Republic of Ireland U21 8 (0)
2001–2006 Republic of Ireland 26 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Andrew James O'Brien (born 29 June 1979) is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in England, he won 26 caps for Republic of Ireland between 2001 and 2006 and was a member of Ireland's 2002 World Cup squad. He retired from international duty in 2006.

Club career[edit]

Bradford City[edit]

Born in Harrogate, England, O'Brien began his footballing career at St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate, under the stewardship of his manager, Max Mills. He joined Leeds United's academy and played in the same youth side as Harry Kewell and Jonathan Woodgate, however O'Brien was released by Leeds at the age of 14.[2] His talent as a defender was spotted by Bradford City and joined their junior ranks in 1994. He made his senior debut in October 1996 against Queens Park Rangers. He soon became a regular in the Bradford City first team, and helped the Bantams to promotion to the FA Premier League during the 1998–99 season.

He was a regular in the Bradford City side during its two years in the Premier League, forming a partnership with club captain David Wetherall in central defence. In 2000–01, City were in financial difficulties and facing relegation when Newcastle United bid for O'Brien. After 133 league appearances he moved to St James' Park in March 2001 for a club record £2 million fee, equalling the same fee Des Hamilton had also left Bradford City to Newcastle.[3]

Newcastle United[edit]

He quickly became a central figure in the Magpies defence, making more than 170 league and cup appearances in the ensuing four years. His performances also earned O'Brien a call-up to the Republic of Ireland national football team. One of his first games saw him score an equaliser in a north-east derby with Sunderland, while in his first full season the club secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers. The following season the club bought defenders Titus Bramble during the summer and Jonathan Woodgate in the January transfer window and it looked like O'Brien would be third choice but over the following year manager Bobby Robson settled on O'Brien and Woodgate as his central defensive partnership.

Despite several years as a solid defender at Newcastle, O'Brien suffered from poor form in the latter part of the 2004–05 campaign, as Newcastle finished a disappointing 14th in the Premier League. However, his reputation was such that Portsmouth paid £2 million to bring him to Fratton Park.[4]

Portsmouth[edit]

O'Brien was Alain Perrin's first signing for Portsmouth. Although he started the season poorly, his form improved as the campaign wore on. However injury forced him to miss the conclusion of his first season. He fell down the Portsmouth first-team list with the arrival of Sol Campbell and the good form of club captain Linvoy Primus.

Bolton Wanderers[edit]

There were rumours that Sunderland's Irish boss Roy Keane would sign the centre back.[5] This came after Keane signed many Irish players to represent Sunderland. Instead he signed for Bolton on 13 August 2007.[6]

O'Brien quickly settled at the Reebok Stadium and impressed the fans in his first few appearances as part of the Wanderers squad including a dominating performance in the UEFA Cup tie against FK Rabotnicki and in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur.

O'Brien after captaining the team in a Uefa Cup game against Sporting Lisbon he said that he is having the time of his life at Bolton.[7]

In May 2008, his efforts were recognised by Wanderers supporters when he was named as The Bolton News Player of the Season following a poll held by the newspaper.[8]

On 7 October 2008, O'Brien signed an extension to his contract at Bolton until 2011 and once again reaffirmed his happiness at the Reebok Stadium.[9]

On 11 April 2009, O'Brien scored his first goal in four and a half years, and his first goal for Bolton, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.[10] After being a regular starter under Gary Megson, O'Brien found himself on the substitutes bench when Owen Coyle took over, with Gary Cahill and Zat Knight the preferred central defender partnership. After Middlesbrough offered to loan O'Brien from Bolton, Owen Coyle rejected the loan move preferring to keep O'Brien as backup[11]

Leeds United[edit]

During the 2010–11 season, O'Brien picked up a hamstring injury for Bolton in the Premier League game against Aston Villa.[12] O'Brien joined Leeds United on an initial one month's loan on 29 October 2010. Manager Simon Grayson said of the move "Andy has had a fantastic career, and has great experience. He's a leader and will be a valuable member of the squad for the next [month]."[13][14] The move saw O'Brien re-join the club he started his career at, he was released by Leeds 17 years earlier as a 14-year-old.[2] O'Brien was given squad number 40 and made his debut for against Scunthorpe United.[15] In November 2010, O'Brien revealed that he would be interested in possibly making his loan move to Leeds permanent.[16] O'Brien scored his first goal for Leeds with a header against Hull City.[17] On 24 November, the loan was extended until 4 January 2011.[18]

After a two-game spell on the sidelines with injury,[19] O'Brien returned to Leeds' starting lineup against Leicester City.[20] O'Brien scored two own goals against his former club Portsmouth.[21] On 30 December, manager Simon Grayson confirmed he wanted to sign O'Brien permanently.[22] O'Brien was also subject of interest from Cardiff City.[23]

On 1 January 2011, O'Brien signed a permanent deal with Leeds United on a 2+1⁄2-year contract, which took effect after his loan deal came to an end on 4 January 2011. He turned down a lucrative offer from Cardiff City, opting to move permanently to Leeds.[24] On 8 January, O'Brien put in an impressive performance to help earn Leeds a 1–1 draw against Arsenal, Leeds were 1–0 up when Robert Snodgrass scored a second half penalty, Arsenal equalised in the 90th minute when Cesc Fàbregas scored a penalty.[25] O'Brien picked up an injury in the FA Cup replay against Arsenal and subsequently missed the game against his former club Portsmouth.[26] O'Brien scored his second goal for Leeds in the 3–2 loss against Millwall.[27]

2011–12 season[edit]

After picking up a hip injury during the 2011–12 pre-season he missed all the pre-season games, to return against his former club Newcastle United.[28] Then stepped up his recovery against Leicester City in a behind closed doors friendly.[29] The summer also saw O'Brien take the number 5 shirt after previously occupying the number 40 shirt.[30] O'Brien started for Leeds the opening day of the season as they crashed to a 3–1 defeat against Southampton, with O'Brien at fault for the second goal when his backwards header was converted by Adam Lallana.[31] He was given a torrid time against his former club Bradford City and was substituted to loud jeers in the second half with Leeds 2–1 down.[32] Leeds went on to win the game 3–2.[33][34] O'Brien dropped out of the Leeds squad for the following game on 13 August against Middlesbrough in a match Leeds lost 1–0.[35]

After nearly three months out of the side, O'Brien returned to the Leeds team due to the suspension and injury of Tom Lees and Darren O'Dea and helped Leeds keep a clean sheet against Leicester City on 6 November.[36] O'Brien was linked with a loan move to West Ham during November, however manager Simon Grayson revealed he wasn't looking to send O'Brien out on loan.[37]

After Leeds 2–1 win against Burnley on 19 November, manager Simon Grayson revealed post match, that O'Brien had come to him the day before the game and refused to play for Leeds ever again. Grayson subsequently stated that O'Brien's career at Leeds was now over due to his refusal to play, however, it later emerged O'Brien's refusal to play was down to the fact he was at time suffering from depression and was "not in the right state of mind" when he stated he would no longer play for Leeds.[38][39][40] After manager Simon Grayson was sacked, O'Brien played his first game for Leeds as a substitute against Coventry City.[41]

He was transfer listed by Neil Warnock at the end of the 2011–12 season and told to find a new club.[42] On 4 May 2012, O'Brien lost his squad number, when the number 5 shirt previously occupied by him was given to new signing Jason Pearce.[43]

Vancouver Whitecaps[edit]

On 1 August 2012, O'Brien moved to Canadian MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps FC on a free transfer from Leeds United.[44] Having signed a two-year contract, he made his debut on 8 August against Real Salt Lake. In his second MLS season, having already made 25 appearances in his first year of service, it was announced that he had signed a one-year extension with the Whitecaps.[45] After the conclusion of the 2014 campaign, O'Brien entered into contract talks with the Whitecaps, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. After 50 appearances for the club, it was announced that Whitecaps were "moving in a different direction," and thanked O'Brien publicly on Twitter.[46]

International career[edit]

O'Brien has dual British-Irish citizenship, and despite representing England at under 18 and under 21 level,[47] he elected to represent the Republic of Ireland at under 21 and senior level.[48] O'Brien's performances for Newcastle led to him being called up to the Republic of Ireland national football team, earning his first cap against Estonia in Tallinn in 2001. He later became a regular in the Irish squad, and was included as part of their 2002 World Cup squad. He scored his first, and ultimately only, goal for Ireland to give his country a 1–0 win against Portugal on 9 February 2005.[49]

After being picked for the squad to face Brazil on 6 February 2008, he did not report for training on 3 February 2008 and Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens received a message from O'Brien announcing his retirement from international football.[50] He played 26 games for Ireland, with his last coming against Cyprus on 7 October 2006.[51]

Career statistics[edit]

Club[edit]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] League Cup[b] Continental[c] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bradford City 1996–97[52] First Division 22 2 3 0 0 0 — 25 2
1997–98[53] First Division 26 0 1 0 0 0 — 27 0
1998–99[54] First Division 30 0 1 0 3 0 — 34 0
1999–2000[55] Premier League 36 1 2 0 2 0 — 40 1
2000–01[56] Premier League 18 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 23 0
Total 132 3 8 0 5 0 4 0 149 3
Newcastle United 2000–01[56] Premier League 9 1 0 0 0 0 — 9 1
2001–02[57] Premier League 34 2 5 1 4 0 1 0 44 3
2002–03[58] Premier League 26 0 1 0 0 0 12 0 39 0
2003–04[59] Premier League 28 1 1 0 0 0 13 0 42 1
2004–05[60] Premier League 23 2 3 0 1 0 11 0 38 2
Total 120 6 10 1 5 0 37 0 172 7
Portsmouth 2005–06[61] Premier League 29 0 2 0 1 0 — 32 0
2006–07[62] Premier League 3 0 0 0 2 0 — 5 0
Total 32 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 37 0
Bolton Wanderers 2007–08[63] Premier League 32 0 1 0 1 0 8 0 42 0
2008–09[64] Premier League 34 1 1 0 1 0 — 36 1
2009–10[65] Premier League 6 0 3 0 0 0 — 9 0
2010–11[66] Premier League 2 0 0 0 1 0 — 3 0
Total 74 1 5 0 3 0 8 0 90 1
Leeds United (loan) 2010–11[66] Championship 11 1 0 0 0 0 — 11 1
Leeds United Championship 19 1 2 0 0 0 — 21 1
2011–12[67] Championship 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 6 0
Total 34 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 38 0
Vancouver Whitecaps 2012[68] Major League Soccer 9 0 0 0 — — 9 0
2013[68] Major League Soccer 16 0 4 0 — — 20 0
2014[68] Major League Soccer 27 0 0 0 — — 27 0
Total 52 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 56 0
Career total 409 10 29 1 29 0 36 0 503 11
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup and Voyageurs Cup
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup
  3. ^ Includes UEFA Intertoto Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup

International[edit]

Appearances and goals by national team and year[69]
National team Year Apps Goals
Republic of Ireland 2001 3 0
2002 2 0
2003 3 0
2004 9 0
2005 5 1
2006 4 0
Total 26 1

Honours[edit]

Bolton Wanderers

Bradford City

  • Promotion: Division One (Championship) runners up 1998–99

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Andrew O'Brien". www.bwfc.co.uk. Bolton Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Andy Ob Keen To Make Up For Lost Time". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  3. ^ Telegraph & Argus Andy goes for £2m Archived 8 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ BBC Sport Pompey complete deal for O'Brien
  5. ^ Premiership Latest Bolton Wanderers Sign O'Brien from Portsmouth Archived 14 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ BBC Sport Bolton sign O'Brien from Pompey Archived 3 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "O'Brien Loving Life At The Reebok | Latest General". Bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  8. ^ a b Sharrock, Gordon (14 May 2008). "Andy's our readers top man". The Bolton News. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  9. ^ "O'Brien Boosts Wanderers". Bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  10. ^ Bevan, Chris (11 April 2009). "Chelsea 4–3 Bolton". BBC. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
  11. ^ "Leeds offer Andy lifeline (From The Bolton News)". Theboltonnews.co.uk. 29 October 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  12. ^ "Bolton Wanderers | O'Brien Joins Leeds On Loan". Bwfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  13. ^ "Leeds United stengthen [sic] defence with Bolton capture – News". Yorkshire Post. 29 October 2010. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  14. ^ "Premier League Defender Joins United". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  15. ^ "Howson Hat-Trick Seals Away Success". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  16. ^ "O'Brien unsure on future". Sky Sports. 3 November 2010.
  17. ^ "Leveller Denies United Deserved Win". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  18. ^ "Deal Agreed For Defender To Stay". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  19. ^ "Boss Waits On Defensive News". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  20. ^ "Boxing Day Draw For United". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  21. ^ "United Hit By Late Leveller". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  22. ^ "Grayson denies Gradel exit talks". BBC News. 30 December 2010.
  23. ^ Phillips, Terry (30 December 2010). "Cardiff City move for Andy O'Brien – Cardiff City News – Cardiff City – Football". WalesOnline. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  24. ^ "Deal Agreed To Sign Defender". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  25. ^ "Late Leveller Denies United Arsenal Scalp". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  26. ^ "Ob Major Doubt For Weekend". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  27. ^ "United Hit By The Wall In London". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  28. ^ "Key Ingredient Is In Place – Ob". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  29. ^ "Foxes Beaten At Thorp Arch". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  30. ^ "Squad Numbers Announced". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  31. ^ "United Crash At Southampton". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  32. ^ Hay, Phil (13 August 2011). "Leeds United: Boo boys were over the top – Grayson – Latest Whites News". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  33. ^ "Nunez Double Seals Cup Progress". Leeds United. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  34. ^ Hay, Phil (11 August 2011). "Leeds United: Nunez rejected Honduras to play against Bradford City INTERVIEW – Latest Whites News". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  35. ^ "Leeds 0 – 1 Middlesbrough". BBC. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  36. ^ "United victorious at Leicester..." LUFC. 6 November 2011.
  37. ^ "Grayson won't loan out O'Brien". Sky Sports. 19 November 2011.
  38. ^ "O'Brien won't play for Whites again – Grayson". The Yorkshire Evening Post. 19 November 2011.
  39. ^ "Grayson fumes at O'Brien". Sky Sports. 19 November 2011.
  40. ^ "Simon Grayson says Andy O'Brien will never play for Leeds again". BBC. 19 November 2011.
  41. ^ "UNITED PAY FOR PENALTIES AT COVENTRY". LUFC. 14 February 2012.
  42. ^ "ELEVEN TOLD THEY CAN GO". LUFC. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  43. ^ "DEFENDER CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED!". Leeds United Official Site. 4 May 2012.
  44. ^ "ANDY O'BRIEN DEPARTS". Leeds United Official Site. 1 August 2012.
  45. ^ "Whitecaps sign defender Andy O'Brien to 1-year extension". CBC. 8 August 2013.
  46. ^ Cam Tucker (14 January 2015). "Moving in different directions: Whitecaps, Andy O'Brien can't strike a deal". Metro Vancouver. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  47. ^ Telegraph & Argus O'Brien shines to help England bounce back Archived 8 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  48. ^ Telegraph & Argus O'Brien picked by the Irish Archived 8 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  49. ^ "Rep of Ireland 1–0 Portugal". BBC Sport. 9 February 2005. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
  50. ^ "O'Brien retirement hits Republic". BBC Sport. 4 February 2008. Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2008.
  51. ^ "Andy O'Brien". SoccerScene.ie. Retrieved 12 October 2008.
  52. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  53. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  54. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  55. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  56. ^ a b "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  57. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  58. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  59. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  60. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  61. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  62. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  63. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  64. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  65. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  66. ^ a b "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  67. ^ "Games played by Andy O'Brien in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  68. ^ a b c Andy O'Brien at Soccerway. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  69. ^ "Andy O'Brien". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 7 May 2012.

External links[edit]

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