Our
Alan has just completed a frustrating season – mainly because he didn’t get many games – and when clubs like Wolves wanted to take him on loan Glenn Roeder refused to give the OK – but still didn’t play him – even when both Duff and N’Zogbia were injured.
We think Alan deserves another contract because he is too good and too young – with too much potential – to let go.
Flying Irishman Alan O’Brien
O’Brien has been playing well for
Lee Clark – our reserve team coach is hopeful Alan can make the first-team breakthrough at St James’ Park next season – if he stays at the club.
Lee Clark said this week:
“Alan is the quickest player I have ever worked with and in today’s game that’s a real asset. There are plenty of players that would love to have that kind of pace.
If we can hone his game and improve that football awareness, it would be fantastic. It would be great to use his pace more effectively.
He knows what is expected and is willing to learn. And if he and the club can come to some kind of an agreement that can happen.â€
We would expect him to be offered a new contract and with Big Sam at the club – it’s a new opportunity for him to shine – and make some appearances for the first team. If he was not signed up (which would be a mistake) – there are plenty of clubs who would jump at the chance to sign him.
Alan is another youngster who has come through the ranks at
O’Brien joined
O’Brien – born February 20th, 1985 in
O’Brien won his fifth senior
Alan has caps for
O’Brien came on as a second half substitute to gain his first full international cap.
Newcastle’s Irish Brigade – Car, Duff, O’Brien and Shay Given
Some of our players – like Nobby Solano – are getting their contracts sorted out and we hope Alan stays at the club. We thought it may be good for him to go out on loan to get games next season – but with Duff out injured it’s an excellent time for our two young left wingers, O’Brien and N’Zogbia – to get games.
Look what happened with James Milner when we finally gave him a run of games – we rest out case.
Over to you Sam – sure hope you sign him.
Comments on all our stories are always welcome.
8 comments so far
Soren
May 30, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Comment #1Sam must get this lad a new contract. If you look how he has blossomed with the Ireland International team. He has excellent speed and delivers a decent cross. Give him another go sam! 🙂
soso
May 30, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Comment #2Now I know why O’brien was chosen ahead of Zog the other day. Lee Clark
Evan
May 30, 2007 at 6:06 PM
Comment #3I’ll second that notion. Speed is the unteachable attribute, and when you have it, you’re a step in front of everyone, literally.
joel gledhill
May 30, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Comment #4yeah speed is important
Dave Wyllie
May 30, 2007 at 9:51 PM
Comment #5Big Sam should give him a chance and assess his performance and progress himself before letting him go – the same could be said for all the young players,the others that have been let go have had plenty of chances to impress and Sam will have seen them when we played Bolton and with the performances against Bolton that says it all!!
Ed W
May 31, 2007 at 9:20 AM
Comment #6Haven’t seen him play play but when Lee Clark says he’s the fastest player he’s worked with he must be special! This guy works with Dyer and Martins day in day out… almost sound like he’s in the wrong sport, and should be on an oval track somewhere! Sign him up!
joe
May 31, 2007 at 9:29 AM
Comment #7Lee Clark says that but has favoured Jonny Godsmark in the reserves several times this season. O’Brien hasn’t even been a great performer in the reserve league. Mixed messages come from SJP too often i’m afraid.
Cathal
May 31, 2007 at 3:17 PM
Comment #8give him a chance, roeder gave him nothing!! he could be the next arron lennon wit d spped he has!!