Why Jim O’Brien’s Extended Stay at Notts County is Great News

i agree, his experience and character is a great thing to have the dressing room and club. we are lucky to have him and i hope he enjoys the season ahead. fingers crossed he impresses, i hope he would coach for notts down the lane.

I think Jim O’Brien brings many benefits to the squad; he’s a great guy to help with morale and his fiery passion is enough to spark others’ lights when playing. Even though it’s one deal, it feels great to have him renew. He’s shared a great journey with us and it’s great that he persisted playing. Seeing him carry Aden Baldwin off the pitch was a great moment, but so were his expressions and joy.

Jim obviously brings a lot of experience to the team which will be needed now we have stepped up a league. His presence in the dressing room is also important when he isn’t on the field.

Jim O’Brien is a key player for Notts County, there’s no doubt about it. Some fans may think he’s past it because they’re moody, but it takes a great level of fitness and skill to keep going. Michael Doyle’s legs had gone the moment he arrived, but he was worshipped and I can’t understand why it isn’t the same for Jim. He’s by far the better player.

I think if we had him from the beginning of the season we wouldn’t have been relegated. Yet, he fought for us in those four years when we were non-league and he’s helped to take us back. We can credit every squad player or just our favourites, but I for one will credit Jim’s loyalty and dedication to our club. He is a fantastic squad player and I look forward to seeing him in the upcoming season.

When he originally signed, it gave hope that we could survive. I know some fans wanted to get rid of everything to do with that squad and some feel Neal Ardley could have done better. I think from the moment Jim O’Brien put on his first Notts shirt, he didn’t stop fighting for us. He’s a good player and I hope he retires playing at Meadow Lane. It’s got to be on his terms. Modern football doesn’t have much loyalty to the players, but we ask it from them.

23 minutes ago, TheSkipper said:

Jim O’Brien is a key player for Notts County, there’s no doubt about it. Some fans may think he’s past it because they’re moody, but it takes a great level of fitness and skill to keep going. Michael Doyle’s legs had gone the moment he arrived, but he was worshipped and I can’t understand why it isn’t the same for Jim. He’s by far the better player.

I wholeheartedly agree, Skip. I think Jim has proven time and time again that he’s a good part of this squad and that he deserves to be given a contract. I would have liked to see him play at Wembley, but as he said in his interview, he knew John wasn’t coming off. But I think that shows the quality we have when the engines get going and the coal begins to produce fuel in the tank. O’Brien still has it. His last name reminds me of a bygone era of Notts and just like Ray, Jim loves this club.

Jim is a good player and I would rather see him retire on his own terms than allow some of the mindless people who supposedly support Notts to drive him out. I guarantee that Jim knows he’s supported by the majority of fans. As previously said, his fitness levels are insane and if he continues to push himself, why not give us another year? He can think about retirement at the end of the season. He’s got a job to do now and I want to see him give his all as he always does.

It’s been said around PON by others, but Jim is a captain without the armband. He’s such a vital part of what makes this squad tick. I also agree with Allardyce’s tash. Some fans of football now will discard a loyal player just because they want someone new or exciting in the team. I can only think of one game where Jim wasn’t his usual self, so I think it’s extremely harsh. I would go as far as saying he would make my Notts XI of the last 10 years. He’s influential and such a good person. His ability is there and I agree with the thoughts expressed in the feature.

I like Jim. Sometimes we lose players after a few years, but we managed to keep Jim. I think he’s more than just a backup player. I would play him sometimes, but it will be hard with John Bostock. Maybe on the left or as an attacking player like Ruben?

I can imagine him still being the first person into the club for training and wanting to put in overtime that some younger professionals neglect to think about. He’s a steady player who has worked well and continues to impress. I see no reason why he won’t have a successful season for us. Age is but a number and Jim O’Brien seems superhuman at times. Does anyone remember that nasty gash on his leg? He just got up and walked off like it was just a little bruise.

Very positive message, which I agree with. Jim is a very handy player to have and he hasn’t had a single bad season for us. Maybe the odd game, but everyone does. I’m thrilled he has signed the one-year deal. I think he will again prove himself to be a useful member of the team.

Very enjoyable read. I do agree with the statements and opinions mentioned in the article. I think @Chris did a great job highlighting much of what Jim O’Brien brings and hopefully he will prefer life back in the Football League. A player like Jim should never have stepped down and I thank him for staying true to his word by staying and helping us back up.

Jim O’Brien has been a superb player. I hope we don’t sign players that limit his chance of impacting the team. His experience has always been useful and I think he will do well given the chance this season.