Jim O'brien (1 Viewer)

[Greggs]

Not heard loads about him pre-season so was just having a little read about him (wiki)!! I stumbled along this, it interested me.....

As of 5 April 2013, O'Brien has scored 5 and assisted 8 goals for the Reds.[SUP][8][/SUP] In May 2014, O'Brien rejected a new contract offer from Barnsley after revealing his ambition to play for 'a top 4' club. "I've definitely got what it takes to succeed on a bigger stage" said O'Brien

Hopefully he can be a top player for us!

 

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[Nick]

Didn't he also get offers from the Championship?

 

[Greggs]

Yeah, seems strange......Most fans have omitted him from Saturdays starting 11.

 

[SkyBlueScottie]

Looks as though we will be playing 352, so it looks as though he will not start. The 5 IMO will be Clark Thomas Fleck Swanson Pugh.

 

[Greggs]

Just because SP used 352 in pre season, it doesn't make its his 1st choice formation. It's fantastic that he is so progressive and want us to be able to change systems with relative ease. Something we have lacked for years. I think it will be the normal 4 2 3 1 formation tomorrow.

 

[lewys33]

From what I have heard from people who have been to games, he has been a star of pre-season. Can't see why he wouldn't be picked??

 

[sw88]

A lot of our play involved him when he played pre season. Improved as the games went on and looked good in the last game especially

 

[Greggs]

Ah good, Do you any of you think O'Brien and Swanson offer more than Moussa and Baker?

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

Just because SP used 352 in pre season, it doesn't make its his 1st choice formation. It's fantastic that he is so progressive and want us to be able to change systems with relative ease. Something we have lacked for years. I think it will be the normal 4 2 3 1 formation tomorrow.

Based on the fact that we haven't played 4-2-3-1 for about 18 months?

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

Looks as though we will be playing 352, so it looks as though he will not start. The 5 IMO will be Clark Thomas Fleck Swanson Pugh.

I think Pressley is happy to play him as one of 3 midfielders alongside Thomas and Fleck

 

[Greggs]

Based on the fact that we haven't played 4-2-3-1 for about 18 months?

Sorry? Did you not see a forward playing behind a striker? Or Fleck and another sitting deep in midfield? What system do you think we are most practiced in?

 

[shmmeee]

Reckon it'll be him Thomas and Swanson in the middle tomorrow.

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

Sorry? Did you not see a forward playing behind a striker? Or Fleck and another sitting deep in midfield? What system do you think we are most practiced in?

I saw a 442, I think the manager would agree with me but if you know better...

 

[Hobo]

I think Fleck will be on the bench for not coming back as fit as Pressley would have liked. He got given game time along with Barton against Villa to push his fitness on. Maybe I'm trying to read between the lines too much. But I think O'Brien will start for his work rate and tracking back.

 

[Monners]

From the comments from those who have seen him pre season, it seems certain that he will play. Maybe have somehing of a free role perhaps with 2 central midfielders behind him (you can tell I haven't seen us play since last season!)?

 

[SkyBlueScottie]

Just because SP used 352 in pre season, it doesn't make its his 1st choice formation. It's fantastic that he is so progressive and want us to be able to change systems with relative ease. Something we have lacked for years. I think it will be the normal 4 2 3 1 formation tomorrow.

I am basing it on what Pressley said last night at the forum... He spoke about 352 / 532 lots, and it was not just while he was asked about it, he referred to it in lots of other answers.

As for O Brien, if he does not start tomorrow there will be plenty of other games for him to be involved.

Plus last year we lined up 442. Even when missing one of Clarke or Wilson we still lined up that way.