Heart surgery! Hope they've caught it early enough and he makes a full recovery

Best wishes OB, hopefully this was spotted in time for a full recovery. It's good that we've done these sort of checks, as a club or the players individually, that's 2 decent and committed centre-backs we've seen retire due to ticker issues.

Absolutely gutted gave everything during his time with us and one of the most decent fellas you could wish to meet hope you get to lead a fulfilling and happy life when it’s all sorted mate club legend for one swing of a boot

One of my favourite players at the County and a talisman for the team. I wish Mark all the best for the future and will miss him playing for us. I can’t really express how disappointed I feel about this news.

Such sad news but clearly the right decision in the circumstances. Your health is much more important than football.

A true County legend and a very fine player as well. He scored undoubtedly the most important County goal of the last 10 years, maybe even longer. He will be sorely missed. Good luck with whatever path your life takes.

I would say the most important goal ever. Jolley's at Wembley wasn't the only goal, and back in 1977 when Eddie Woods scored to beat Workington there are grounds for saying they were always the ones going to fail re-election.

So much better to have it spotted and diagnosed. Good luck Mark.

In the year 2120, when County are either going for a 3rd world title in a row or our 5th Phoenix club are just starting up.. your name will always live long as a legend of our club.

Good luck with the road ahead and thank you Mark.

All the best Mark for the surgery and the future. Kept us up and you will never be forgotten in Newport.

He had heart problems when he was at Derby and he/we thought it had been resolved with surgery.Gutted for him that it has come back and gutted for us to lose his services.At my age,I shouldn’t have favourite players but OB is mine.His no nonsense defending,his bravery putting his body on the line for the team.Putting his head where it could get hurt,taking a booking for the team and of course,that goal.I have a framed photo of it in my dining room with Jolley’s.I have sponsored his shirt for the last two years,not sure who can take his place,he will take some replacing.

Gutted for you mate

All the best for the future you really are a legend here

Legend!
Echo everything said

Gutted to hear this news and hope the surgery is a success.

OB will always be a county legend who definitely has amber in his blood. I'll never forget that goal which was the platform for the last couple of seasons.

Great servant and a really nice bloke. I wish him all the best for the future and he will always have a place in county family/amber army history and will always receive a warm welcome from us.

Such a shock to hear this especially after Fraser Frank's enforced retirement not long ago. All the best in your recovery Mark, and in what you do in the future. Thanks for the goal and all your efforts for the squad. I'll always remember your dogged defending and 100% effort for the side. Thank you and best wishes.

A massive loss for our club. But Mark's long term health is far more important. Agree entirely with GSB his goal v Notts County was undoubtedly the most important goal in the history of Newport County. Great though the escape of 1978 was, we only needed a draw in the last game, and we would have been re-elected ahead of Workington in any event.

I hope that his health is restored and I'm sure he leaves with the best wishes of us all.