Incredible man paved theway for future success
MICK O’Brien steered the sporting curriculum at St Aidan’s in the 1960s – paving the way for future professional success for many of his young players.
“He was a legend, as evidenced by the testimonies of footballing past pupils who have contributed their memories to this book,” said former colleague Mick Winter.
O’Brien, the son of an SAS soldier, was born in Dunston in 1934 and grew up “among the bombsites of Gateshead” during the Second World War.
Educated at St Cuthbert’s in Newcastle, the former Gateshead Harrier then joined the RAF as a radio engineer for national service. “If it doesn’t work – hit it” became his motto.
“He was posted to Hong Kong and regaled us with tales of eating pineapples on sticks down on the harbour, and jazz nights at Mad Dogs,” recalls his daughter Irene in the book.
“He always told us he entered a swimming competition to learn to swim, and won. He also entered a competition to see who could do the most sit- ups – and everyone left him to it!”
O’Brien studied at Loughborough University after his de- mob, working as a Red Coat at Butlins in the summer holidays, before taking on the career that was his passion – teaching.
“He was head- hunted by an American football team in the 1980s, but turned the chance down. England and St Aidan’s were his passion,” said Irene.
“He never drank, but went to the pub every Sunday after church to play dominoes. He had an incredibly competitive spirit – even when he went on Sale of the Century.
“In the years after his stint on TV – ( he won £ 800- worth of prizes) – we three daughters had to endure a rendition of the theme tune from EVERY St Aidan’s boy who saw us!”