Mark O'Brien

Mark O'Brien

Born Ballyfermot, Dublin. Derby County brought Mark over from Ireland as a schoolboy and he was a regular in their 2008/09 Under 18 team. A centre back, he made his professional debut in April 2009. He was dogged by injury in his 6 years at Derby and had a heart operation as well. Opportunities for first team football were scarce with only 35 games played. A season long loan spell at Motherwell saw 21 appearances. His contract was not renewed and Town manager John Still stepped in and a two year deal was signed.

He started the 2015/16 season at right back and had a run of games but in the fourth, against Portsmouth, he was subbed at half time due to injury. He struggled to get back into the starting 11. His return was at centre back in a 4 3 home defeat to Carlisle after being 3 1 up in the second half. It would be his last game for the Hatters.

Two loan spells at Southport was followed by a move to Newport County in January 2017 on a contract until the end of the season. On the final day of the season Mark scored the winner in the 89th minute to ensure Newport’s League status. His 20 appearances, and perhaps that goal, earned him a permanent 2 year deal and he played 33, 46 and 28 times in the next three seasons.

Mark’s heart problems returned and another operation was required in June 2020. Retirement came as a result.