Football
Exclusive: Promotion Hero Eoghan O’Connell Closing In On League One Move After Wrexham Exit
Former Wrexham defender Eoghan O'Connell, part of their historic hat-trick of promotions, is in talks with a League One club after being released by the team. The 30-year-old Irishman is close to signing a two-year deal after unsuccessful talks with other clubs.
Wrexham v Boreham Wood - Vanarama National League by Matthew Ashton - AMA | Getty Images
Eoghan O’Connell is in talks with a League One club, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 30-year-old defender has been a free agent since being released by Wrexham in September.
It was an unceremonious end to his storied time at the club for the three-time promotion hero.
Part of the historic hat-trick of successive promotions, O’Connell was deemed surplus to requirements as Phil Parkinson tried to trim his squad for their Championship campaign.
The Irishman, one of ten players who starred in all three promotion campaigns, made just two appearances this season, both in the League Cup, before his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
A late move in the window unfortunately fell through and our sources have been told talks with a number of third-tier clubs have also failed to materialise in a deal.
But our sources also understand the centre-back is on the verge of joining a new club and is closing in one a two-year deal at an unnamed League One outfit.
Promotion Hero
After being released, boss Parkinson said: “I'd like to thank Eoghan for his contributions over the last two-and-a-half years, playing a part in all three of our promotions.”
“We thought he had a move prior to the transfer window closing, but it didn't materialise in time, and Eoghan has decided to part ways so he can look for the next challenge in his career. We all wish him well.”
O’Connell started his career at Celtic, where he competed in the Champions League, and played alongside Virgil van Dijk.
He moved to Bury in 2017 and was part of the club's League Two promotion in his second season at the club.
From Bury he went to Rochdale and was twice named Player of the Season before making the move to Wrexham in the National League.
The rest as they say is history as O’Connell starred in Hollywood-backed club’s triple successive promotions from non-league to the Championship.
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