FORMER Millwall attacker Aiden O’Brien has joined League of Ireland side Shelbourne on a free transfer.
Ireland international O’Brien, 30, has signed what the club have called a “multi-year deal”.
Shels are managed by former Ireland International Damien Duff. The ex-Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Fulham winger has led the north Dublin club to top the Premier League. The season in Ireland is in a calendar year. Shelbourne have a two-point lead at the top after 26 games, one fewer than second-place Derry City.
“I am pleased to join Shelbourne FC and embark on this new adventure,” O’Brien said on the club’s website. “This decision was largely supported by the excellent staff and manager who helped me through the negotiation and made sure the deal worked for me and my family. I have heard such good things about the team and can’t wait to be part of it.
“Moving to Dublin was a big decision; my grandmother was born there and I had a great relationship with her. It feels like the right decision for me and where I am in my career. I am ready to go and so excited to help bring this club back to where it belongs.”
O’Brien came through Millwall’s academy and scored 44 goals in 226 games before being released in 2020. He made permanent moves to Sunderland, Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town and had loan spells at Gillingham and Sutton United.
“Important moment, important signing. Exciting times, exciting player,” Duff said. “Aiden brings a wealth of experience and quality but most importantly presence, personality, leadership and a stone-cold belief.
“Aiden was desperate to come which I found so refreshing. He lives for pressure and responsibility so he has come to the right place at the right time.
“This signing is a big statement by the club.”
Luke Byrne, Shelbourne technical director, added: “Aiden brings with him so many things we are looking for: experience, personality, presence, hunger. He’s shown a real desire to come here and be a part of the club. He’s a proud Irishman and very excited at moving over here.
“The great thing about Aiden is that regardless of what he’s achieved in his career, he’s still extremely hungry to improve and succeed and that’s important to us. The fans will take to his style of play straight away and he’s raring to get out there at Tolka and make an impact.”
