Liam O'Brien (footballer)

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Liam O'Brien (born September 5, 1964 in Dublin). is a former footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tranmere Rovers.

Having won the League of Ireland championship with Shamrock Rovers in 1986, O'Brien became Ron Atkinson’s last signing as manager of Manchester United when he joined the reds for an initial fee of £50,000.

O'Brien made his debut for Alex Ferguson in the 1986/87 season, making nine appearances.

The majority of his appearances in the 1987/88 season were as a substitute and that summer, frustrated by lack of first-team opportunities, he joined Newcastle United in a £275,000 move after 36 appearances for United . His career at St James' Park brought mixed fortunes. O'Brien suffered relegation from the top flight in the 1988/89 season. However, he played a major role as Newcastle won the Division One Championship in 1993, making 33 appearances and scoring six goals.

O'Brien found himself surplus to requirements as Newcastle rejoined the top flight and subsequently made a £350,000 move to Tranmere Rovers after a successful loan period. After Tranmere he signed for Cork City before retiring in 2001. He then went on to be assistant manager at Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers.

O'Brien was also a Republic of Ireland international, winning his first cap while still at Shamrock Rovers. In all he won 8 caps and was part of the 1988 European Championship squad.

In his 3 seasons at Milltown Liam won 3 Leagues, the FAI Cup twice, the Presidents Cup, the Leinster Senior Cup and the Dublin City Cup.

Currently, O'Brien is employed by St. Patrick's Athletic F.C. as assistant manager.