PAUDIE O’CONNOR WILL look to gain regular first-team football next year after completing a season-long loan move to Blackpool from Leeds United.
The 20-year-old last week signed a two-year contract extension at Leeds after making his senior debut for the club last term, but has dropped down to League One in search of more opportunities.
O’Connor initially joined Leeds’ U23 squad from Limerick in March 2017 but was promoted into the first-team squad last year, before making his Championship debut against Sunderland in April.
Advertisement
The defender made four league appearances in total last term but heads to Blackpool hoping to get more minutes under his belt in the third tier under manager Gary Bowyer.
O’Connor, who played 39 times for his native Limerick in the League of Ireland before earning a move to England, will join former Ireland U21 international John O’Sullivan on the books at Bloomfield Road.
“I’ve had a nice week of getting a new deal at Leeds and then getting the opportunity to come to a great club like Blackpool,” he said.
“I’m really excited to get in, meet the lads and get training. I’m looking forward to getting a full season of first-team football under my belt, hopefully.”
Blackpool boss Bowyer added: “I’m really pleased to bring Paudie to the club after what has been a really promising season for him at Leeds United. He’s an aggressive defender who has impressed in the four games he has played in the Championship and we’re really looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us.”
Blackpool get their 2018/19 campaign with a trip away to Wycombe Wanderers next month.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
6 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Irish defender O'Connor drops down to League One in search of regular first-team football
PAUDIE O’CONNOR WILL look to gain regular first-team football next year after completing a season-long loan move to Blackpool from Leeds United.
The 20-year-old last week signed a two-year contract extension at Leeds after making his senior debut for the club last term, but has dropped down to League One in search of more opportunities.
O’Connor initially joined Leeds’ U23 squad from Limerick in March 2017 but was promoted into the first-team squad last year, before making his Championship debut against Sunderland in April.
The defender made four league appearances in total last term but heads to Blackpool hoping to get more minutes under his belt in the third tier under manager Gary Bowyer.
O’Connor, who played 39 times for his native Limerick in the League of Ireland before earning a move to England, will join former Ireland U21 international John O’Sullivan on the books at Bloomfield Road.
“I’ve had a nice week of getting a new deal at Leeds and then getting the opportunity to come to a great club like Blackpool,” he said.
“I’m really excited to get in, meet the lads and get training. I’m looking forward to getting a full season of first-team football under my belt, hopefully.”
Blackpool boss Bowyer added: “I’m really pleased to bring Paudie to the club after what has been a really promising season for him at Leeds United. He’s an aggressive defender who has impressed in the four games he has played in the Championship and we’re really looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us.”
Blackpool get their 2018/19 campaign with a trip away to Wycombe Wanderers next month.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Man United, Celtic and Ireland legends confirmed for Liam Miller tribute match at Turner’s Cross
Ex-Drogheda, Shels and Galway defender Eric Foley retires at the age of 28
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
New Challenge Paudie O’Connor Blackpool