William O’Brien

[Ludwig]

Irish businessman in question is Cork-based William O’Brien — who runs a successful storage and crane hire operation from Bishopstown with links across Europe. “I take my hat off to you for your persistence, but I have no comment,” O’Brien said when contacted by The Times. Well-placed sources say that he has joined with some English investors ready to take the club off Short’s hands.

O’Brien’s track record suggests that his diversification into the business of owning and running a football club should not be taken lightly. The Wm O’Brien Group was set up in the 1950s by his father, also William, who died last year at the age of 89. It is an unlimited company and so it is difficult to gauge O’Brien’s financial worth, but the company has extensive interests across Europe, along with bases in Britain and France.

O’Brien is a former farmer and has travelled extensively in the Far East. The company’s slogan is: “Where O’Brien goes, Prosperity follows”.

Love the quote “ Where O’Brian goes, Prosperity follows “ . Feel good feeling already

 

[thecloughywobble]

You've spelt FRIENDS wrong

And player. Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

Changing tack slightly, when the Quinn consortium took over there were all manner of denials & rebuttals so I think an open mind is required at this juncture

 

[mad cyril]

Would you rather have,

A) some yank with no idea of the game or club or city or remote interest in your well being but who wears an FTM badge ?

Or

B) some Irish bloke who knows the game, has money, has ambition who knows the area and a will to progress your club but has once wore a NUFC top ?

 

[Botchie]

ALS are leaving themselves wide open here. I'm not sure they would do that, it's not something they've done in the past.

 

[rubberface]

ALS are leaving themselves wide open here. I'm not sure they would do that, it's not something they've done in the past.

..so where would a highly respected paper such as The Times pluck this story and name out of the air from?

 

[Northumberland Rocks]

ALS are leaving themselves wide open here. I'm not sure they would do that, it's not something they've done in the past.

Martin's not daft. I guess they have a good idea whats going on.

 

[janey]

ALS are leaving themselves wide open here. I'm not sure they would do that, it's not something they've done in the past.

For me, either way they aren’t crowning themselves in glory.

 

[Botchie]

..so where would a highly respected paper such as The Times pluck this story and name out of the air from?

That's a good question, but ALS have more to lose than the times do.

 

[Hongkongphooey]

An Irish mag, no thanks

 

[safcman73]

wouldn't bother me if he was a mag, means he has even more balls by becoming involved at Sunderland. no doubt he'll be hung drawn and quartered before setting foot in the place by some of our balloons, but if he's up for it, good luck to the man.

Steve Bruce loves this reply

 

[Botchie]

For me, either way they aren’t crowning themselves in glory.

The problem is we live in a world where everyone can gain free publicity on the internet. If they're bullshiting though the only people who they will lose credibility with is Sunderland fans, their entire customer base.

 

[knitting away]

That's a good question, but ALS have more to lose than the times do.

Dont get the abuse that ALS are getting over this. They are clearly only saying what they are allowed to and seem to have some form of communications agreement with someone who is interested in buying us. Why an interested party would potentially break a confidentiality agreement is another matter but I think ALS are just trying to help.

 

[Botchie]

Dont get the abuse that ALS are getting over this. They are clearly only saying what they are allowed to and seem to have some form of communications agreement with someone who is interested in buying us. Why an interested party would potentially break a confidentiality agreement is another matter but I think ALS are just trying to help.

It looks that way. They have nothing to gain from making up a story. The Times however have probably gain a couple thousand new subscriptions this afternoon.

 

[janey]

The problem is we live in a world where everyone can gain free publicity on the internet. If they're bullshiting though the only people who they will lose credibility with is Sunderland fans, their entire customer base.

I didn’t think there tweet on Sunday was bullshit.
Nixon said today it was pretty accurate and he wasn’t going to elaborate (or words to that effect).
The times names someone, ALS refute it.

Totally agree about ALS credibility mind, and it’s not there usual stance, as far as I recall, to claim they have information.
Me head is battered

 

[6inarow]

Would you rather have,

A) some yank with no idea of the game or club or city or remote interest in your well being but who wears an FTM badge ?

Or

B) some Irish bloke who knows the game, has money, has ambition who knows the area and a will to progress your club but has once wore a NUFC top ?

Thinking back im pretty sure john hall was a sunderland season ticket holder in his younger days

 

[mad cyril]

William O'Brien scans nicely with Eleanor Rigby. Songsmiths please take note

William o brien,
Once put the ball in the back of the mackums net, their all upset.
All the lonely mackums, where do they all come from ?

Let’s get this loud and proud at Leeds tomorrow.

 

[Northumberland Rocks]

I didn’t think there tweet on Sunday was bullshit.
Nixon said today it was pretty accurate and he wasn’t going to elaborate (or words to that effect).
The times names someone, ALS refute it.

Totally agree about ALS credibility mind, and it’s not there usual stance, as far as I recall, to claim they have information.
Me head is battered

Mine anarl. think all us genuine fans are just desperate for good news. Hopefully we are getting there!

 

[Confucius]

William o brien,
Once put the ball in the back of the mackums net, their all upset.
All the lonely mackums, where do they all come from ?

Let’s get this loud and proud at Leeds tomorrow.

Shut up you daft mag bastard

 

[janey]

Mine anarl. think all us genuine fans are just desperate for good news. Hopefully we are getting there!

Fingers and toes crossed

 

[mad cyril]

Thinking back im pretty sure john hall was a sunderland season ticket holder in his younger days

I’ve put up a link to this earlier on in thread.

NUFC as boy then season ticket for both in 70’s after doing a lot of work in Sunderland area. Back to Newcastle full time when he realised he could make a lot of cash out of it.

Good interview.