16 Facts About Olivier Bernard

Olivier Bernard was born on 14 October 1979 and is a French former professional footballer.

Olivier Bernard is currently the owner and CEO of Durham City.

Olivier Bernard began to be involved with local gangs from the age of 9, and credits football with turning him away from a life of crime.

Olivier Bernard joined the Lyon academy at the age of 13, after being spotted while representing Seine-et-Marne in a youth cup final.

Olivier Bernard rejected a professional contract from Lyon, despite being required to under the French Professional Football Charter.

Olivier Bernard was initially required to pay compensation to the French club, but this was overturned by an eventual ruling of the European Court of Justice ten years later.

Olivier Bernard joined on a free transfer from Lyon in late-August 2000.

Olivier Bernard formed a strong left flank partnership with fellow Frenchman Laurent Robert, being a part of Bobby Robson's side, which finished fourth, third and fifth as well as reaching the last 16 of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup.

When Southampton were relegated to the Championship in 2005, Olivier Bernard's contract expired and was not renewed by the club.

Olivier Bernard cited the prospect of playing in the Champions League was a driving force for his move.

Newcastle fans had mixed opinions when Olivier Bernard re-signed for them on 1 September 2006 after reneging on an agreement to join Leeds United.

However, his second spell on Tyneside did not turn out as well as hoped, with Olivier Bernard struggling for fitness and a series of niggling injuries preventing him from making his second debut for Newcastle.

Olivier Bernard made numerous reserve team outings, and was an unused substitute in some UEFA Cup fixtures, including away to Palermo and Levadia Tallinn.

Olivier Bernard never made an appearance for Newcastle during his injury hampered spell.

Olivier Bernard trained with Toronto FC to keep his fitness up in June 2008, mainly because he is friends with former Toronto midfielder Laurent Robert.

In December 2013 it was announced that Olivier Bernard had purchased non-league Durham City and become owner and chairman of the club.