Messageboard stalwart Patred looks at Brian O'Neil
O’Neil played in the early 70’s ' Alehouse' side that included some real characters – Channon, Paine, Davies, McGrath, Hollywood, etc. He epitomised that side playing with enthusiasm, character and no little skill. He'd break your back to win the ball...
Brian O’Neil came from Bedlington, a mining town in Northumberland . He was spotted by legendary Geordie talent scout Jack Hixon, who, amongst others, uncovered Ralph Coates, Dave Thomas (not that one), Steve Bruce and sent Alan Shearer and Neil Maddison to The Dell.
O’Neil signed for Burnley in 1961 despite interest from Arsenal and went onto win England under 23 and Football League caps. In the mid-sixties, Burnley were a force who regularly qualified for European football. Brian had become a firm favourite at Turf Moor (many blamed their relegation from Division 1 the following season on the deal) before becoming Southampton’s record signing of £75,000 in May 1970.
His ebullient character and terrier-like midfield play appealed to team-mates and supporters alike. Nicknamed ‘Buddha’, he was frequently in trouble with referees for his over zealousness and received several suspensions, including a spell of nine weeks in 1973. Nevertheless his resilience and energy were an inspiration to others and he always played the game with a smile – shirt hanging out and socks rolled down. Team-mates were always on the lookout for Brian as it was alleged that he never owned his own boots and would steal theirs. He had a thunderous shot and if that didn’t succeed, Channon or Stokes were always on hand to snap up the rebounds.
Brian adored his manager, Ted Bates, and he would carry out his instructions to the letter. During one particular pre-match team talk at Bramall Lane, Bates was expressing how influential Sheffield United’s new star, Tony Currie, was proving to be. ‘Look after him’, Bates instructed Brian. Two minutes into the game, Currie was flat on his back following a ferocious O’Neil challenge. He looked across to the dugout to see Ted Bates standing up with a beaming smile and thumbs up!
However, Lawrie McMenemy was a different story who on taking over soon looked to overhaul the squad; It was no secret he and Lawrie's temprements clashed. O’Neil was one of many of the early 70’s team to move on. Third Division Huddersfield snapped him up for a fee of £40,000 and he was immediately appointed skipper. O’Neil spent two seasons at Leeds Road before moving to Devon as Player-Manager at Western League side Bideford despite offers to join Jimmy Gabriel in the North American League with Seattle Sounders. On leaving O’Neil took up a playing role with Taunton Town in the Southern League which he combined with working in the building trade.
Brian now lives in Southampton and still regularly attends St Marys. Back in the early 70’s, O’Neil bought a successful racehorse with his team-mate, Mick Channon. Of course the latter is now one of the country’s top trainers and Brian regularly helps out at the stables in Berkshire.
Brian's playing career at the Dell was the opening day fo the 70/71 season at home to Man City in a 1-1 draw, there was a sending off that day, however it wasnt for Saints but City's Mike Summerbee.
It finished just over four years later at home to Nottingham Forest, during his spell he made 171 appearances plus 2 as sub, scoring 19 goals along the way, all but the final nine were in the top flight.