Joey O'Brien
{{Short description|Irish footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Joey O'Brien
| image = Joey O'Brien West Ham Vs Birkirkara (19319060114).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = O'Brien playing against Birkirkara in 2015
| fullname = Joseph Martin O'Brien
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|2|17|df=y}}
| birth_place = Dublin, Ireland
| currentclub = Shelbourne (assistant manager)
| clubnumber =
| position = Full-back / Defensive midfield
| youthyears1 = 2002–2004 | youthclubs1 = Bolton Wanderers
| years1 = 2004–2011 | clubs1 = Bolton Wanderers | caps1 = 50 | goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2004–2005 | clubs2 = → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | caps2 = 15 | goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2011 | clubs3 = → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | caps3 = 4 | goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2011–2016 | clubs4 = West Ham United | caps4 = 91 | goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2018–2021 | clubs5 = Shamrock Rovers | caps5 = 63 | goals5 = 4
| totalcaps = 223
| totalgoals = 9
| nationalyears1 = | nationalteam1 = Republic of Ireland U19
| nationalcaps1 = | nationalgoals1 =
| nationalyears2 = 2005–2006 | nationalteam2 = Republic of Ireland U21
| nationalcaps2 = 6 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2006–2012 | nationalteam3 = Republic of Ireland
| nationalcaps3 = 5 | nationalgoals3 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2021– | managerclubs1 = Shelbourne (assistant manager)
| club-update = 22 November 2021 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 11 September 2012
}}
Joseph Martin O'Brien (born 17 February 1986) is an Irish retired professional footballer who played as a full-back and defensive midfielder for Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Shamrock Rovers. He was capped five times by the Republic of Ireland at senior level between 2006 and 2012. In the year 2016, O'Brien was among 13 people to be named as a victim of fraud and he testified in court for the trial. In 2021 he became the assistant manager of Shelbourne.
Playing career
=Bolton Wanderers=
O'Brien started his career with Bolton Wanderers in 2004 after starting out his first year scholarships in 2002.{{cite news|title=Wanderers youngster stars for Ireland|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5911324.Wanderers_youngster_stars_for_Ireland/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=20 March 2003|access-date=15 October 2016}}
To gain further experience, O'Brien was loaned out to League One team Sheffield Wednesday for the most part of the 2004–05 season,{{cite news|title=Owls capture O'Brien in loan deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/4066797.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 December 2004|access-date=15 October 2016}} making 15 appearances and scoring two goals, including one on his debut.{{cite news|title=O'Brien an instant hit with Owls|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5805816.O_Brien_an_instant_hit_with_Owls/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=9 December 2004|access-date=15 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 2 - 1 Swindonw Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4139431.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 January 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}} After extending his loan spell at the club twice times,{{cite news|title=O'Brien's loan at Owls extended|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/4145013.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 January 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=O'Brien's loan at Owls extended|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/4258665.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 February 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}} O'Brien was named as captain for the last game of his loan spell in honour of his contribution.{{cite news|title=O'Brien looking the part|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5792225.O_Brien_looking_the_part/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=5 March 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}}
Upon returning to Bolton Wanderers from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, O'Brien made his Premier League debut on 15 May 2005 against Everton when coming on as a late substitute in place of Fernando Hierro.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 3 - 2 Everton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4525095.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 May 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}} He was given his first start in Bolton's colours in their away UEFA Cup 1st Round tie with PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv in September 2005.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/lok-plovdiv-1-bolton-2bribolton-win-42-on-aggregatei-508916.html |title=Lok Plovdiv 1 Bolton 2Bolton win 4–2 on aggregate — Premier League, Football |work=The Independent|date=2005-09-30 |access-date=2011-08-17 |location=London |first1=Ian |last1=Parkes}} In the 2005–06 season, O'Brien was called up by the first team following a defensive crisis of injuries{{cite news|title=Injury shock for Nicky Hunt|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/6223691.Injury_shock_for_Nicky_Hunt/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=26 September 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}} and that moment on, he became a first team regular, making thirty-three appearances in all competition.{{cite news|title=Joey's fortunes suddenly on the up|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/6225659.Joey_s_fortunes_suddenly_on_the_up/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=17 October 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}} Initially playing as a centre-midfielder, O'Brien changed to a right-back role and made an impression, leading to Manager Sam Allardyce described him as a "dominant force at right back in the Premiership".{{cite news|title=Joey O'Brien makes the switch in style|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/6238898.Joey_makes_the_switch_in_style/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=11 February 2006|access-date=15 October 2016}}
O'Brien missed most of the 2006–07 season due to a knee injury.{{cite news|title=Whites hit by injury pile-up|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/868675.Whites_hit_by_injury_pile_up/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=8 August 2006|access-date=15 October 2016}} By October, O'Brien was expected to return from a pitch in a months time,{{cite news|title=O'Brien finally set for return|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/1005817.O_Brien_finally_set_for_return/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=6 November 2006|access-date=15 October 2016}} with a help from an American doctor Dr Frank Jarrell, a pioneer in the field of spinal reflex analysis.{{cite news|title=USA aid for injured Wanderers ace|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/1009590.USA_aid_for_injured_Wanderers_ace/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=8 November 2006|access-date=15 October 2016}} However, his recovery was delayed for another 3–4 months, causing him to miss the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=Unlucky O'Brien 'out for 3-4 months'|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/1087975.Unlucky_O_Brien__out_for_3_4_months_/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=22 December 2006|access-date=15 October 2016}} Having regained his fitness,{{cite news|title=O'Brien on track for comeback|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/1443312.O_Brien_on_track_for_comeback/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=2 June 2007|access-date=15 October 2016}} it wasn't until on 23 September 2007 when he made his return for Bolton, making his first start and playing the whole game, in a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996758.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 September 2007|access-date=15 October 2016}} Since making his return from injury, he played most of the 2007–08 season in his natural midfield role as opposed to the right back position which he had been in two years previous. Despite further injury concerns,{{cite news|title=O'Brien injury fears eased|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/1727429.O_Brien_injury_fears_eased/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=2 October 2007|access-date=15 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=Anelka could miss trip to Munich|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/1807142.Anelka_could_miss_trip_to_Munich/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=3 November 2007|access-date=15 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=Joey's season could be is over|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2245057.Joey_s_season_could_be_is_over/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=2 May 2008|access-date=15 October 2016}} O'Brien went on to make 26 appearances in all competition.
In July 2008 he was given the number 8 shirt previously worn by Iván Campo and started well when he provided two assists against Stoke City{{cite news|title=Match Report: Bolton Wanderers 3 - 1 Stoke City|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/3601478.Wanderers_3__Stoke_City_1/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=17 August 2008|access-date=15 October 2016}} and Arsenal.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 1 - 3 Arsenal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7613918.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2008|access-date=15 October 2016}} However, injuries restricted his appearances throughout the 2008–09 season.{{cite news|title=Wanderers set to go on the attack|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/3799588.Wanderers_set_to_go_on_the_attack/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=29 October 2008|access-date=15 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=O'Brien hit by new injury 'nightmare'|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/3955085.O_Brien_hit_by_new_injury__nightmare_/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=6 December 2008|access-date=15 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=Whites bid to save Joey's season|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/4134005.Whites_bid_to_save_Joey_s_season/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=18 February 2009|access-date=15 October 2016}} O'Brien finished the season, making eight appearances in all competitions.
In the 2009-10 season, O'Brien appeared as an unused substitute three times to the first ten league matches to the season. However, he suffered a knee injury that required an operation for the second time in twelve months and made no appearances this season.{{cite news|title=More injury woe for Joey O'Brien|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/4630638.More_injury_woe_for_Joey_O_Brien/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=16 September 2009|access-date=15 October 2016}} Despite this, he signed a one-year extension to his contract keeping him at Bolton Wanderers until the summer of 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~1840777,00.html |title=Bolton Wanderers | News | Latest News | General | O'Brien Signs Contract Extension |publisher=Bwfc.co.uk |date=20 October 2009 |access-date=15 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101143549/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0%2C%2C1004~1840777%2C00.html |archive-date= 1 November 2009 |url-status=dead }} After making a recovery, O'Brien made his return in a pre-season friendly match against Charleston Battery and after the match, O'Brien stated when he returned to the first team, he determined to make up the lost time.{{cite news|title=Defender is determined to make up for lost time with Bolton Wanderers|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/8278650.Defender_is_determined_to_make_up_for_lost_time_with_Bolton_Wanderers/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=19 July 2010|access-date=15 October 2016}} However, this never happened and it has been reported that O'Brien may need to be loaned out to gain first team football.{{cite news|title=O'Brien hungry for loan chance|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/8389182.O_Brien_hungry_for_loan_chance/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=14 September 2010|access-date=15 October 2016}}
On 24 March 2011, O'Brien joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for a second time until the end of the season,{{cite web|url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2323347,00.html |title=Bolton Wanderers | News | Latest News | General | O'Brien Joins Owls on Loan |publisher=Bwfc.co.uk |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=15 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326052934/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0%2C%2C1004~2323347%2C00.html |archive-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead }} and made his debut two days later in a 1–1 draw at Dagenham & Redbridge.{{cite news|author=(HT 0 – 1) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/match/2011/mar/26/dagenhamandredbridge-v-sheffieldwednesday |title=Match stats | Dagenham & Redbridge v Sheffield Wednesday |work=The Guardian|date=2011-03-26 |access-date=2011-08-17 |location=London}} After making four appearances for the club, O'Brien made four appearances for the club on his second return.{{cite news|title=Injured Joey back at Reebok after loan stint|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9005035.Injured_Joey_back_at_Reebok_after_loan_stint/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=4 May 2011|access-date=15 October 2016}} At the end of the season, he was released by Bolton Wanderers, ending his six years association with the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/9045783.New_deal_for_Blake/?|title=New deal for Blake|date=2011-05-24|work=The Bolton News|access-date=2011-05-24}}
=West Ham United=
In July 2011, O'Brien was handed a trial by West Ham United. He featured in pre-season friendlies against BSC Young Boys and Basel before being signed on 30 July on a free transfer, after penning a two-year contract.{{cite news|title=West Ham sign former Bolton midfielder Joey O'Brien|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14354816.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=30 July 2011|date=30 July 2011}}
O'Brien made his competitive debut on 7 August 2011 in 1–0 home defeat to Cardiff City.{{cite news|last=Da Silva|first=Michael|title=West Ham 0 – 1 Cardiff|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/14356630.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=9 August 2011|date=7 August 2011}} He scored his first goal for West Ham in a 4–0 away win against Watford on 16 August 2011,{{cite news|last=Osbourne|first=Chris|title=Watford 0 – 4 West Ham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14457337.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=17 August 2011|date=16 August 2011}} his first goal since January 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20110816/watford-0-4-west-ham-united-ft_2236884_2421663 |title=Watford 0–4 West Ham United FT | News | Latest News | News | West Ham United |publisher=Whufc.com |date=17 August 2011 |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930014608/http://www.whufc.com/articles/20110816/watford-0-4-west-ham-united-ft_2236884_2421663 |archive-date=30 September 2012 |url-status=dead }} He was sent off for the first time in his career in the away match against Reading on 10 December 2011.{{cite news|title=Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Alumnia makes West Ham debut at Crystal Palace|url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/westham/9283083.Almunia_makes_Hammers_debut/|publisher=The Guardian Series|date=1 October 2011|access-date=17 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=John Carew and Jack Collison back for West Ham United at Hull City|url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/westham/9347012.Four_changes_for_Hammers/|publisher=The Guardian Series|date=5 November 2011|access-date=17 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=Championship team news round-up|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/championship-team-news-round-up-3305708|work=Daily Mirror|date=8 April 2012|access-date=17 October 2016}} Having suffered from injuries during the season, O'Brien went on to make 33 appearances in all competition and the club was promoted back to the Premier League.
O'Brien suffered a hamstring injury on 5 October 2012.{{cite web |title=Big Sam welcomes Carroll call-up |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/big-sam-welcomes-carroll-call-up |website=FOX Sports |access-date=7 October 2020 |date=5 October 2012}} He returned to the squad for a match against Wigan Athletic three weeks later.{{cite news |title=West Ham welcome back Joey O'Brien for Wigan clash |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-welcome-back-joey-o-brien-wigan-clash-8227680.html |access-date=7 October 2020 |work=The Independent |date=26 October 2012}} He set up the only goal for Kevin Nolan in the game two weeks after making his return, in a 1–0 win over Newcastle United.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United 0 - 1 West Ham United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20196343|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 November 2012|access-date=17 October 2016}} This was followed by scoring his first ever Premier League goal on 19 November 2012, which also earned his team a point against Stoke.{{cite news|last=Henson|first=Mike|title=West Ham United 1 – 1 Stoke|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20293737|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=19 November 2012|date=19 November 2012}} He then scored the winning goal in the New Year's Day fixture against Norwich City.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 2 – 1 Norwich City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20841042|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 January 2013|access-date=17 October 2016}} However, O'Brien suffered a hamstring injury.{{cite news|title=Allardyce makes case for new defenders|url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/10158694.Allardyce_makes_case_for_new_defenders/|publisher=The Guardian Series|date=13 January 2013|access-date=17 October 2016}} While on sidelined, O'Brien signed a new contract with West Ham United on 13 January 2013, keeping him until 2013.{{cite news|title=West Ham defender Joey O'Brien signs new contract until 2016|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21003880|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 January 2013}} Soon after signing the contract, he made his first appearance since returning from injury on 19 January 2013, in a 1–1 draw against Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 1 - 1 Queens Park Rangers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20996519|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 January 2013|access-date=17 October 2016}} O'Brien finished the 2012–13 season with 34 appearances in all competitions.
In the 2013–14 season, O'Brien's was restricted to 17 appearances. After missing out two matches between 11 January 2014 and 18 January 2014 due to injury{{cite news|title=West Ham's Kevin Nolan backs Joleon Lescott transfer as two Serie A strikers are eyed on loan|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-transfers-joleon-lescott-3050711|work=Daily Mirror|date=22 January 2014|access-date=17 October 2016}} O'Brien made his return on 29 January 2014, making his first start and playing the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Chelsea.{{cite news|title=Chelsea 0 - 0 West Ham United|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25838369|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 January 2014|access-date=17 October 2016}} In the same match he suffered a dislocated shoulder after he "fell awkwardly following an off-the-ball push from Chelsea defender Gary Cahill" and was sidelined for three months.{{cite news|title=West Ham United's Joey O'Brien out for three months|url=http://talksport.com/football/west-hams-obrien-out-three-months-14012977741|publisher=TalkSport|date=29 January 2014|access-date=17 October 2016}} After returning from injury in late April, O'Brien made his return in the last game of the season, playing as a right-back, in a 2–0 loss against Manchester City.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 2 - 0 West Ham United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27273582|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 May 2014|access-date=17 October 2016}}
In the 2014–15 season, O'Brien appeared in the first three matches to the start of the season until he suffered a knee injury during an international break.{{cite news|title=A knee injury has forced West Ham United defender Joey O'Brien to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad|url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/westham/11452468.Injury_forces_O_Brien_to_withdraw_from_Ireland_squad/|publisher=The Guardian Series|date=4 September 2014|access-date=17 October 2016}} After making his return from injury as an unused substitute against Burnley on 18 October 2014,{{cite news|title=Burnley 1 - 3 West Ham United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29580151|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2014|access-date=17 October 2016}} he struggled to regain his first team place and spent most of the season on the substitute bench, due to good performance from Carl Jenkinson.
File:Joey O'Brien West Ham Vs Birkrikara (19320387793).jpg in a Europa League.]]
Ahead of the 2015–16 season, O'Brien was expected to fight for his first team place under the new management of Slaven Bilić following the departure of Allardyce.{{cite news|title=West Ham United youngster Reece Oxford will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand, says team mate|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-youngster-reece-oxford-will-have-to-get-used-to-comparisons-with-rio-ferdinand-says-team-10363166.html|work=The Standard|date=2 July 2015|access-date=17 October 2016}} After appearing five times in the Europa League matches for West Ham United campaign, he suffered a calf injury at the start of the season.{{cite news|title=West Ham leave ALL players who could start at Arsenal behind for Europa League decider|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-leave-players-who-6200955|work=Daily Mirror|date=5 August 2015|access-date=17 October 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/August/13-August/From-the-Treatment-Room |title=From the Treatment Room |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=13 August 2015 |access-date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017145428/http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/August/13-August/From-the-Treatment-Room |archive-date=17 October 2016 |url-status=dead }} After returning from injury in late-October,{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/October/28-October/From-the-Treatment-Room |title=From the Treatment Room |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=28 October 2015 |access-date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106165440/http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/October/28-October/From-the-Treatment-Room |archive-date=6 January 2016 |url-status=dead }} O'Brien made his first appearance on 30 January 2016, in the fourth round of the FA Cup, in a 0–0 against Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Liverpool 0 - 0 West Ham United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35389201|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2016|access-date=17 October 2016}} He then made another appearance in the fourth round of the FA Cup replay against Liverpool, which saw West Ham United win 2–1.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 2 - 1 (aet) Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35467976|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 February 2016|access-date=17 October 2016}} Following a game with a win over Liverpool O'Brien once again suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for weeks and even after making his return, he never made an appearance throughout the 2015–16 season.{{cite news|title=West Ham hit with SIX potential injuries in FA Cup victory over Liverpool|url=http://talksport.com/football/west-ham-hit-six-potential-injuries-fa-cup-victory-over-liverpool-160210184547|publisher=TalkSport|date=10 February 2016|access-date=17 October 2016}}
He was released by West Ham at the end of his contract in June 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/June/7-June/Hammers-issue-Retained-List |title=Hammers issue Retained List |publisher=West Ham United Official Website |access-date=7 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805184330/http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/June/7-June/Hammers-issue-Retained-List |archive-date=5 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}
In August 2017, he was back in Bolton, training with Bolton Wanderers fitness coach Nick Allamby in order to keep fit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/15504688.bolton-wanderers-enquire-about-south-korea-international-chung-yong-lee-at-crystal-palace/|title=Whites make an ambitious Korea move on deadline day|website=The Bolton News}}
=Shamrock Rovers=
On 27 January 2018, O'Brien signed for League of Ireland team and boyhood club Shamrock Rovers after spending 18 months without a club.{{cite news|title=Former Ireland international signs with Rovers 18 months after leaving West Ham|url=http://www.the42.ie/joey-obrien-3820296-Jan2018/|publisher=the42.ie|date=27 January 2018|access-date=27 January 2018}}
International career
In 2003, O'Brien was called by Republic of Ireland U17 and was involved in the tournament, resulting being awarded Player of the Tournament, due to his performance. Two years later, O'Brien was called up by Republic of Ireland U21 and appeared in the squad six times.{{cite news|title=International date for Joey|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5783963.International_date_for_Joey/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=31 May 2005|access-date=15 October 2016}} Later in the year, he won FAI Under 19 International Player of the Year.
In February 2006, O'Brien was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time{{cite news|title=Reward for Joey|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/6239543.Reward_for_Joey/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=17 February 2006|access-date=15 October 2016}} and made his debut for his country on 1 March 2006,{{cite news|last=Burt|first=Jason|title=Keane the 'icon' leads Staunton's new era|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/keane-the-icon-leads-stauntons-new-era-468045.html|access-date=18 March 2012|newspaper=independent.co.uk|date=1 March 2006}} against Sweden during Steve Staunton's first game in charge. Following a new appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni, O'Brien expressed frustration of being omitted by him that he was considered early retirement from international football.{{cite news|title=O'Brien may quit international scene|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/o-brien-may-quit-international-scene-1.901568|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=27 October 2008|access-date=15 October 2016}}
On 3 August 2012, O'Brien was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for 15 August friendly against Serbia, as a replacement for the injured Sean St Ledger. This was O'Brien's first call up in over four years, after overcoming a succession of long-term injuries.{{cite news|title=O'Brien to replace St Ledger|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2012/0803/1224321421836.html|access-date=4 August 2012|newspaper=irishtimes.com|date=3 August 2012}}
Coaching career
In November 2021, it was announced that O'Brien had joined Shelbourne as assistant manager under newly appointed manager Damien Duff, a former Republic of Ireland teammate of O'Brien's.{{Cite web|url=https://shelbournefc.ie/joey-obrien-joins-back-room-team-at-shelbourne/|title=Joey O'Brien joins back room team at Shelbourne|date=15 November 2021}}
Personal life
In May 2014, O'Brien married Joanne Martin, an Irish model, at St Augustine's Church on Thomas Street, Dublin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/tough-talk-as-west-ham-player-ties-knot-in-dublin-30302434.html|title=Tough talk as West Ham player ties knot in Dublin|website=independent}}
In February 2016, O'Brien was among thirteen people to be named as a victim of fraud, committed by Stephen Ackerman.{{cite news|title=Ex-Bolton boss Sam Allardyce and players named as victims of alleged luxury goods fraud|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/14033575.Ex_Bolton_boss_Sam_Allardyce_and_players_named_as_victims_of_alleged_luxury_goods_fraud/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=13 November 2015|access-date=17 October 2016}} A month after leaving West Ham United, O'Brien testified in court in Ackerman's trial.{{cite news|title=West Ham hamper fraud trial: Kevin Nolan was unwitting 'middleman'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36846222|publisher=BBC News|date=20 July 2016|access-date=17 October 2016}}
Career statistics
{{updated|22 November 2021}}{{cite web|title=Joey O'Brien|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=39646|website=Soccerbase|access-date=13 June 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/joey-o-brien/2624/|title=Republic of Ireland - J. O'Brien - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|website=int.soccerway.com}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes FA Cup, FAI Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Football League Cup, League of Ireland Cup}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="8"|Bolton Wanderers
|rowspan="7"|Premier League |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | |||
| 2005–06
|23 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Cup|name=UC}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 0 | ||
| 2006–07
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2007–08
|19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5{{efn|name=UC}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 26 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09
|7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 8 | 0 | |||
| 2009–10
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!50 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 70 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
|rowspan="2"|League One |15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 15 | 2 | ||
| 2010–11
|4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | ||
| rowspan="6"|West Ham United
|32 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 33 | 1 | ||
| 2012–13
|rowspan="4"|Premier League |33 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 2 | |||
| 2013–14
|17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 0 | |||
| 2014–15
|9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 0 | |||
| 2015–16
|0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League|name=UEL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!91 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 105 | 3 | ||
| rowspan="5"|Shamrock Rovers
|2018 |rowspan="4"|League of Ireland Premier Division |13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| 2019
|24 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 2 | |
| 2020
|14 | 1 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 1 | |||
| 2021
|12 | 1 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Champions League, four appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in President of Ireland's Cup|name=statsPRC}} | 0 | 20 | 1 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!63 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 87 | 4 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!223 | 9 | 18 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 281 | 9 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
West Ham United
Shamrock Rovers
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
- [https://shamrockrovers.ie/player/joey-obrien/ Profile Page] at Shamrock Rovers
- [http://www.premierleague.com/page/PlayerProfile/0,,12306~31643,00.html Premier League profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001061657/http://www.premierleague.com/page/PlayerProfile/0,,12306~31643,00.html |date=1 October 2012 }}
{{Shelbourne F.C. squad}}
{{FAI Under 19 International Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:OBrien, Joey}}
Category:Association footballers from County Dublin
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers
Category:Republic of Ireland men's youth international footballers
Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Republic of Ireland men's international footballers
Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
Category:West Ham United F.C. players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Stella Maris F.C. players
Category:Shamrock Rovers F.C. players
Category:League of Ireland players
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Republic of Ireland expatriate men's association footballers