Eoghan O'Connell - Sep 2025: Wrexham contract cancelled by mutual consent (p11)

BR7_addick said:

I remember curbs saying once he always looked for players who’ve had a knock back in their careers and therefore are a bit angry and keen to prove doubters wrong, this signing fits that idea, he’s been back down the ladders before working his way up again, I think this will be a key signing.  

Powell also followed that ethos.

Welcome 01

Now who’s next? 11 o’clock announce one of the Swindon players. Ta. 

We as a club are looking down a division to pick up talent because it’s a market we can compete in. The cream of league one are mostly too expensive and it’s the Championship clubs that are looking down a division that can out compete us in that market. Yes we might be able to push the boat out once even possibly twice with a fee and package but in the main looking to sign players at the top end quality of division two is what we should be doing. As for loans. I hope we don’t see squad padding like we did last season. Total waste of space and time. Much rather three Championship loans of players that are experienced but surplus and have a realistic chance of making the starting eleven than kids with no chance of ever getting a game. Two kids max and that’s if they are right good prospects not just for doing Chelsea or whoever a favour.

golfaddick said:

Always good to get the first one over the line. See now why we signed him.....he can bloody shoot !!

If you don't get the first one done, you can't get any others.

We have a friend who used to be a director at Bournemouth. I recall being a guest of his there when we played them and they were absoluely raving about Wiggins. They we talking behind the scenes about a real gem of a player so when we signed him in the summer it got my juices tingling. The same the previous season with BWP and then later with Yann. Danny Hollands too to be fair. A very solid League One player who was experienced and knew where the goal was. These are the signings that get you going and one or two of these will tap my positivity meter into positive. It seems to be stuck on low at the moment.

Dave Rudd said:

Garrymanilow said:

sillav nitram said:

Not sure why everyone appears to be wetting their knickers on the strength of one signing who most haven't even heard of and suggesting this is a statement of intent by the club?

Plus why haven't we had the usual, free transfer bargain basement type of comments?

I'm jus asking, I haven't myself got a clue!

I think it's because he fits the profile of the kind of player we've been saying we want for once. The market has changed a lot in the last ten years and you can't just buy up all the best players in the league around you, it's far too expensive. As a result a lot of teams are looking down a league to bring in the better players from there. We know that if we're going to play the way Garner wants we'll need a ball-playing CB and we've brought in the ball-playingest of CBs at that level on a free transfer. Sounds like he only re-signed at L2 level because of his relationship with the manager anyway so it looks like we've picked up a L1 level CB for nothing who fits the plan we've laid out. If nothing else it looks like a good start

Who would have been O'Connell's equivalent at League 1 level last season?

I did note that Peter Clarke (yes, that Peter Clarke ... now at Walsall via Tranmere, but previously from Huddersfield and about fifteen other clubs) made the EFL League 2 Team of the Season at centre-back.  That's 40-year old, ponderous lump, Peter Clarke.

Harry Darling at MK Dons who’s signed for Swansea?

Oh_Yoni_Boy said:

My mate was at his wedding the other week and apparently it was between us and MK (although a lot of clubs in for him).

Think it's a good signing as well as one where we've been very competitive with teams around/above us so lots of cause for optimism!

I expect we'll be competing with MK Dons for a lot of transfers this season, the styles we're looking to play will be fairly similar.

JackB said:

Saw this guy play for Rochdale against Crawley. Actually said to the Father-in-Law “could do with this guy at Charlton”. That day he was the best player on the pitch easily. Commands the defence, is verbal and definitely Captain material. This is a good first signing for us. I think our fans will love him as he winds up the opposition as well. Good luck Eoghan!

Seeing the picture of him going toe to toe with Chuks Aneke, he looks like a good acquisition at League 1 level with an edge as well as skill. Plus he isn't on the way down but hopefully on the way up.

I prefer footballers with something to prove as long as they have some control. Good pro as Watson and Gunter were we needed to go down a different route with Hungry players but with talent as well. 

They have to blend so we wait to see.

Garrymanilow said:

sillav nitram said:

Not sure why everyone appears to be wetting their knickers on the strength of one signing who most haven't even heard of and suggesting this is a statement of intent by the club?

Plus why haven't we had the usual, free transfer bargain basement type of comments?

I'm jus asking, I haven't myself got a clue!

I think it's because he fits the profile of the kind of player we've been saying we want for once. The market has changed a lot in the last ten years and you can't just buy up all the best players in the league around you, it's far too expensive. As a result a lot of teams are looking down a league to bring in the better players from there. We know that if we're going to play the way Garner wants we'll need a ball-playing CB and we've brought in the ball-playingest of CBs at that level on a free transfer. Sounds like he only re-signed at L2 level because of his relationship with the manager anyway so it looks like we've picked up a L1 level CB for nothing who fits the plan we've laid out. If nothing else it looks like a good start

Thanks @Garrymanilow

JamesSeed said:

Welcome 01

Now who’s next? 11 o’clock announce one of the Swindon players. Ta. 

Right. It’s 11am. 

Callumcafc said:

Now I want some eggs and ham…

Let's just call him that.🙂

After all, if you go and live in a foreign country then you just have to accept a different pronunciation of your name. My name gets pronounced in 4 different ways. If anyone asks, I just refer them to my website 😉

And he's Irish - so 'green eggs and ham' it is.

And also, if he plays with Lavelle then we can call him 'Sam I Am'. The perfect partnership.

No relation to Brendan .. just the same clan 

Nice voice

RodneyCharltonTrotta said:

Lincsaddick said:

He's a cousin of one of Ireland's all time GREAT rugby union forwards and captains, Paul O'Connell .. let's hope that tenacity, indomitable will to win, great physical strength, bloody mindedness, calmness under pressure allied to a smooth personality, intelligence and eloquence is a family trait .. welcome Eoghan, (and how is that forename pronounced ? )   

My cousin's son plays top flight premiership rugby and has been capped at England youth levels so far.

I like to believe I leverage a tenacious and rugged approach to my daily Regulatory Compliance job as a result.

it's ALL in the blood bro !!