Jim O’Brien reflects on his journey with Notts County

I’m glad it hasn’t ended yet. There was a brief point early in last season when I wondered if Jim would reflect on retirement at the end of the season, considering how the squad was taking shape and with his contract being up. Being the only surviving player from our relegation squad speaks volumes about him.

He worked tirelessly to get the results we needed to stay up and then did the same when it came to trying to gain promotion to the Football League. It’s been interesting, but there’s still at least one more chapter in him. It would be great if we could add another promotion to it.

Jim O’Brien is a great addition to the squad. Having him around the younger players and the rest of the squad with his sense of humour and care helps bring in positive thinking.

He has everything that would make a great coach and potentially a manager one day. His fighting spirit and attitude are those of a winner. It’s been four and a half good years seeing O’Brien play for Notts. I’m also glad he’s continuing the journey we’re on together.

It’s great to see O’Brien’s perseverance pay off with Notts.

He’s a true professional and a credit to the club. Despite the club’s relegation to the National League, he's remained with the club and played under several good managers who wanted to keep him on board. His hard work and determination paid off when the club was finally promoted back to the Football League. O’Brien’s journey with us shows he's a genuine character and it’s fantastic to see him succeed with the club.

O’Brien’s journey with Notts has been wonderful to see him achieve success with the club, even if it did take a few seasons.

It’s clear that O’Brien has a lot of respect for Luke Williams and his coaching staff. It sounds like they’ve created a great environment at the club.

i wished he had the chance to play for a bit at wembley but he was a firm part of the celebrations. his rallying to the players to stay calm, i think helped. i dont think jim could single hardly change the outcome of our relegation but him and michael doyle did make a difference. i am happy that jim o'brien is still here because he deserves to see the club back to where we belong.

hes been very important to our journey moving forward.

I think because he is the only player left who was with us for relegation he knows the pain felt by the players, fans and everyone connected to he club. 

It’s great he’s here to see us return to the league. 

Jim O’Brien has been a key part of our fight for promotion to the football league. Everyone wants a player like him who will give his all and show the passion that was missing from most of the squad when Notts was relegated. Our team has been much better with him in it. It will be sad when he retires, but that day will come. I’m just grateful he’s been part of our history.

Jim has been a very reliable and professional servant of Notts County. In his first full season, he brought some accountability to the midfield and helped settle the club down. In his second and third seasons, he became more of a leader on the pitch without always carrying the pressure of the armband. I think once his playing days are over, those who doubted him will realise what he brought to Notts.

Wouldn’t we all name Luke Williams as the best coach? However, we can tell it’s true just by the number of players who have responded to his coaching.

The type of player Jim is makes it difficult to count him out because he will just work harder to make a comeback. When his playing time seems limited, he’s happy to wait and go out onto the left. I prefer him in the middle, but I respect the energy and level he brings to whichever position he plays.

It’s interesting to hear Jim speak about Luke Williams. I think when you trust players and provide good information that allows players to improve their game, it creates that sort of bond. I would like to see Luke be a bit more hands-on with young players. Notts should be making the most of this department and I personally think Jim O’Brien could help with this. He has been super since signing for the club.

Opinions vary, but I would question anyone who would have preferred to see Jim O’Brien retire. In fact, I would hope they were brave enough to express their opinion in writing but otherwise without valid reasoning. I simply wouldn’t believe it. Jim O’Brien has been outstanding for Notts, he had several key moments last season and not to mention his Maidstone hat-trick.

8 hours ago, allardyces tash said:

It’s great to see O’Brien’s perseverance pay off with Notts.

He’s a true professional and a credit to the club. Despite the club’s relegation to the National League, he's remained with the club and played under several good managers who wanted to keep him on board. His hard work and determination paid off when the club was finally promoted back to the Football League. O’Brien’s journey with us shows he's a genuine character and it’s fantastic to see him succeed with the club.

I couldn’t agree more with @allardyces tash, Jim O’Brien is one of the best professionals the club has had in recent years. His camaraderie is noticeable with how he lifts people and the players. I am also glad he’s been promoted with us and will be hoping he can go again for another promotion this year in League Two.

Good player, good servant. It’s hard to use his age as an excuse to get rid, he works so hard and still plays like a much younger experienced person. His reactions might not be as quick, but his focus and drive are things you can’t be taught.