Wrexham have confirmed the departure of another one of their star assets from over the years, with a season-long loan agreed with a League One side.
Signings have come in at a great volume in North Wales yet again this summer, leaving many in the Wrexham squad needing to part ways to find regular gametime.
Before the deadline, a midfielder fundamental to their rise has now left for League One.
Tom O’Connor Leaves Wrexham On Loan
As confirmed by the clubs’ official websites, Tom O’Connor has now joined Peterborough United on loan.
O’Connor was pivotal to Wrexham’s record-breaking three straight promotions and is an incredibly versatile footballer.
Joining from Burton Albion in January 2022, his arrival in North Wales was one of the biggest National League acquisitions in history at the time.
Additionally, he lived up to that reputation. Tallying 115 appearances throughout his time with the club, his versatility in defence and midfield was an excellent asset for Phil Parkinson.
Now, he finds himself behind several ‘Hollywood’ signings in his position. This summer, the club has succeeded in deals for the likes of Ben Sheaf, Conor Coady, Lewis O’Brien, and Calum Doyle, leaving O’Connor’s chances of regular gametime limited.
The same has happened for some huge figures at Wrexham this summer. Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin are now with Swindon Town and Wigan Athletic, respectively, while George Evans went out on loan to Burton Albion earlier today.
O’Connor To Peterborough United
This is an excellent pick-up for Peterborough, who needed reinforcements in the defence.
Currently sat at the foot of the League One table, the Posh have struggled at both ends of the pitch. Conceding 11 while scoring two has given the club the worst record in the division.
After struggling last season, there is huge pressure for Peterborough to survive, after finishing in the play-offs only two seasons ago.
O’Connor is left-footed, capable on the ball, and able to operate in multiple positions.
He was recently pivotal in Wrexham’s promotion from League One, making 31 appearances for the club.
The former Burton Albion defender will partner Tom Lees in the defence. An experienced duo, the pair could be pivotal to the club’s survival chances.
Peterborough are set to face Huddersfield Town, Wycombe Wanderers, and Plymouth Argyle in their next league outings. With a number of potential promotion-challengers lined up, defensive improvement needs to come sooner rather than later.
What Has Been Said?
On signing for the club from Wrexham, manager Darren Ferguson said:
“Tom has three promotions on the bounce with Wrexham, that tells me everything I need to know about him. He is a left-sided centre half, can play in a back three or a four.Â
“He can play in midfield, has a lovely left foot and is a proper winner. I couldn’t turn it down when I knew he was available.
“He really wanted to come to us, which again, given where we are in the table, shows that we can still attract good players.”
