25 Aug 2026 15:32:01
Some of the comments about O'Brien just blow my mind. He is only 25. He has not been given much of an opportunity at his preferred position of center-half. He has all of their height and physical attributes needed for that position. He did a reasonable job as right-back, hardly let us down. He wants to play as a center-half which is a reasonable request. He is the sort of player that we should be keeping and nurturing not letting go.
So we should let him go providing we can get a replacement we are told. At this stage of the window we would probably get another Keane or Tarks type with no sell on value. Of course we always have Mykolenko as a back-up center-back. What a joke that is.
We need to keep O'Brien, at least for another season. It is not long since everyone was saying they wanted a combination of O'Brien and Branthwaite as center-backs.
{Ed025's Note - spot on for me Mike, and lets not forget that at his age it is up to the coaches to nurture and improve him but if hes just a stop gap full back improvement is less likely, i say keep hold of him and hone his skills to become the next centre back we need mate..
25 Aug 2026 17:11:54
Everyone knows and no one would disagree that he should be playing with Jarrad. However, Tarks is now captain, which means Jake will play less than Keane. Keane will get game time because he can play on the left of defence, whereas Jake can't, or should I say doesn't look as accomplished.
Keane and Tarks are the ones that shouldn't be there.
25 Aug 2026 17:14:01
I like O'Brien and hope he stays. But if he wants out rather than fight to be our starting cb, then let him go. Nobody is bigger than the club, and if he's unhappy, that will fester among others.
25 Aug 2026 18:26:40
Tarks and Keane surely only have this season plus maybe one more so he shouldn't have long to wait plus any injuries in between.
25 Aug 2026 19:49:00
Whatell, we don't know what he said. If he just said he would prefer to play center-back, who can blame him. We don't know for sure if he asked to leave.
25 Aug 2026 21:58:16
Personally, I feel it's all about wheeling and dealing, so if we get good money for Jake then great. I'd think 30-35 with add ons would be a deal worth doing, especially as there's multiple teams interested.
If it's just 20-25 million, seems crazy for a guy we pair 17 for & have given PL experience unless we have a younger gem lined up!
Thoughts, blue boys ?