By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Former United defender Andy O'Brien has headed across the pond to sign for MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps.
The centre-back, aged 33, has joined the Canadian side on a free transfer from Leeds United after being transfer listed at the end of the 2011/12 campaign.
O'Brien began his career at Bradford and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League before he switched to Newcastle in March 2001.
In just over four years on Tyneside, the Republic of Ireland international made 162 appearances and scored seven goals for the Magpies.
One of those strikes, arguably the most memorable of O'Brien's career, came just a month after his arrival in the North-East. Trailing 1-0 to local rivals Sunderland, he pounced from close range with time running out to salvage a draw at the Stadium of Light.
After several years at the heart of United's rearguard, O'Brien was sold to Portsmouth and went on to also play for Bolton Wanderers before his move to Leeds.
He joins a Vancouver squad which also boasts ex-Celtic and Rangers striker Kenny Miller, former Middlesbrough midfielder Barry Robson, and Watford legend Jay Demerit.
