Premiership: O'Brien stunned by reaction to move

Andy O'Brien has been oblivious to the row which has simmered at Bradford since his departure - but admits the opportunity to join Newcastle was just too good to miss.

Former City team-mates David Wetherall and Gunnar Halle have been just two of the outspoken critics to voice their disgust that top prospect O'Brien was allowed to leave Valley Parade.

O'Brien joined United for a reported £2m just before deadline day, although rumours are rife that fee is a little short of the one actually agreed, a fact hinted at by Wetherall ahead of Saturday's game.

But there is no hiding the fact the likes of Wetherall and Halle believe the club should have dug in their heels and refused to let O'Brien go - no matter how much was offered.

The situation was out of O'Brien's hands, though, as he was simply informed of an approach from Newcastle and that a fee had been agreed.

"I wasn't aware of just how unhappy people were at seeing me go," said O'Brien.

"I spoke to David and a few of the other lads and they were obviously sorry I had gone.

"But Bradford allowed me to speak to Newcastle, and they wouldn't have let me do that if they hadn't have been happy with the fee they got.

"Not every kid - and I still call myself that - gets a chance to join such a big club as Newcastle so early in their career. It was too good to turn down."

Despite having joined United a fortnight ago, Saturday was the first time O'Brien had seen some of his new team-mates as his move had preceded international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

It was then a case of in at the deep end, with any fears about the welcome from the fans allayed by the rapturous reception he received, although he was soon mocked by cries of 'Andy, Andy what's the score?' when Bradford raced into a 2-0 lead after just 10 minutes.

It was O'Brien's worst nightmare come true as Wetherall claimed the first, despite his goalbound header being diverted in by Aaron Hughes, with Robbie Blake stroking home the second from the spot.

The frenetic pace of the game enabled Newcastle to storm back, with Carl Cort on hand for the Magpies' opener in the 25th minute, with the equaliser coming from Clarence Acuna 13 minutes from time.

Although O'Brien was brought in to help shore up United's dodgy defence, it is now 26 games since Bobby Robson's side last kept a clean sheet, which is why they are yet to pass the magical 40-point barrier, with yesterday's draw taking them to 39.

It has not taken O'Brien long to realise a club of Newcastle's stature should not be sweating over their Premiership future.

"We want to get to 40 points as quickly as possible - that's the safety barrier," he said.

"But at Newcastle we should be talking about wanting to win things, rather than just being safe making us feel happy, because that is our aim.

"At the moment we're not safe and it's a little bit of a worry, but we're not going to fear it. We just need to finish on a high note so we can start next season in the right frame of mind."

The difference between the two clubs is also not lost on O'Brien, who did not enjoy his debut simply because it was against the club he admits is close to his heart.

But he said: "I've not been here long but I've already come to realise just how big a club Newcastle really is.

"With the next two weeks off it means I can work on my fitness, because I've not been fully fit since breaking my collarbone, with the fitness coaches at Newcastle.

"That's one of the things about joining a bigger club. They've everybody you can think of - somebody who will even wipe your backside - it's that's professional and well run. If you need anything they are there for you.

"While on the playing side, there were some world class players out there against Bradford, with plenty more out injured, so the future is looking extremely healthy for Newcastle.

"Now my first game is out of the way, hopefully I'll be part of that future for a while. I've a new challenge ahead of me now and I aim to meet it."