I don't believe any of this was mentioned when Andy O'Brien was with
LU. I am copying this from our local paper in Vancouver - recalling a
comment I made when he joined the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League
Soccer. I believe I owe him an apology.
Here goes.....
In Andy O'Brien's soccer career, the outside appearance has not always
matched the inside reality.
Among the defender's playing highlights, he captained Bolton in a UEFA
Cup game against Sporting Lisbon in 2008, and was soon after voted his
club's player of the year. He signed a contract extension through
2011. Life at the Reebok Stadium seemed grand. But part of the deal was
that O'Brien had to live within 20 miles of the grounds, and rather than
getting home at 5pm each day, he was home at 1 or 2. He'd think about
grocery shopping, but wouldn't shop. Instead, he'd sleep, eat fast food,
and then sleep some more. He didn't know why.
"Looking back," O'Brien said Saturday from Whitecaps training camp in
Burnaby, "I didn't speak to people for maybe 18 hours from leaving
training to sitting in my flat. If you add it all up, you couldn't get
away with it. You can't flick a switch to correct everything."
O'Brien's mental struggles came to a head at Leeds United in November
2011. Derided by a section of the Elland Road fans after a tough start
to the season, and at odds with manager Simon Grayson, O'Brien refused
to play a match against Barnsley.
The club banished him, then, after an internal inquiry, urged fans to
welcome him back following his treatment for depression at the Sporting
Chance Clinic. It was the Pro Footballer' Association that had steered
O'Brien to the clinic, which was founded by former England captain Tony
Adams, who'd struggled with alcoholism.
That treatment, along with the support of his family, friends,
team-mates and current coaching staff in Vancouver, has brought O'Brien
to a much happier place.
A reserved and humble player, he's keen to talk about it because he
hopes to encourage others to seek support, and perhaps chip away at the
stigma associated with mental disorder.
*** later in the story ***
These days, O'Brien is enjoying his soccer and his life. He's all smiles.
His final two months of the 2012 season were terrific as the calming
counterpoint to Jay DeMerit in the Whitecaps' defence. And he'll be the
cornerstone of the squad as coach Martin Rennie is eager to tap into his
experience and leadership for a full season. O'Brien said "I've had
managers in the past that have screamed at you to get more out of you,
which you do need sometimes. I had a conversation with (Rennie) which
I'll never forget, and it was a big part of me joining the club. He
said "I realize you're not necessarily in a good place right now (Leeds)
and I know coming to Vancouver won't automatically change that, but if
you give me the opportunity, I'll do my best to try and put you in a
good place."
"What more can I say? He's done that. Him, the staff, the fans.
Everybody's been supportive and I can't thank them enough. I feel that
I'm in a great place."
I know the above is a bit long....but needed to be sent. As I say, I
don't recall any of this being mentioned during his stay at Leeds
United...too bad it wasn't handled better.
Grampa Sykes
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PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
