Eoghan O'Connell joins Stockport County from Barnsley FC despite Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United links
Eoghan O’Connell has founda new club following the expiry of his Barnsley contract
Stockport County have won the race to sign Eoghan O’Connell following the expiry of his Barnsley contract.
The 30-year-old defender only joined the Reds in January, penning a short-term deal after agreeing to a mutual termination of his Wrexham contract.
He made 26 appearances for the South Yorkshire club and when the campaign came to an end, Barnsley confirmed contract talks with the centre-back were being held.
However, as the contract expiry date approached and he was linked with Stockport, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United, an Oakwell stay appeared unlikely.
Eoghan O’Connell’s new club confirmed
He has now been unveiled as a new recruit for Stockport, reuniting with Hatters boss Jimmy McNulty having played with him at Rochdale.
O’Connell has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Edgeley Park, a ground Barnsley are due to visit for a League One clash on October 10.
McNulty said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Eoghan to the club. He’s a vastly experienced centre-back with a strong pedigree in the EFL and beyond, and he brings real leadership and quality to our defensive unit.
“Eoghan has proven himself to be a highly competent operator at this level with a consistent level of performance - evidenced in the key role he played in Wrexham’s recent promotions.
“He fits perfectly into our defensive unit - strong in the air, highly composed with the ball, and a great character and person who will always put the team first. We are really happy to have Eoghan join our team, and we’re excited to see him in a County shirt.”
Stockport County win the race
Stockport’s recruitment director Jonathan Smith added: “We are delighted to welcome Eoghan to Edgeley Park. He has had multiple promotions in his career, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group.
“He is exceptional in the air in both boxes, and also in possession of the ball when helping to build attacks. He is a real leader on and off the pitch, and we were thrilled when he made the decision to join us instead of a number of League One rivals that were keen to get his signature.”