| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | James Kevin O'Connor | ||
| Date of birth | September 1, 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Republic of Ireland | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Sheffield Wednesday | ||
| Number | 17 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1996–2003 | Stoke City | 176 | (16) |
| 2003–2005 | West Bromwich Albion | 30 | (0) |
| 2004–2005 | → Burnley (loan) | 13 | (0) |
| 2005–2008 | Burnley | 126 | (11) |
| 2008– | Sheffield Wednesday | 61 | (1) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12:18, 20 December 2009 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). |
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James Kevin O'Connor, (born 1 September 1979 in Dublin) is an Irish professional footballer currently playing for Sheffield Wednesday as a midfielder. He has played for the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level.[1]
Contents |
Club career
O'Connor began his career at Stoke City, where he won the Player of the Year award in the 2002–03 season[2] and scoring in the 2001 Potteries derby at the Britannia Stadium. He moved to West Bromwich Albion in summer 2003 for a fee of £250,000 and made his debut in the 4–1 defeat to Walsall. He spent a successful three-month loan spell with Burnley in 2004–05. That season he made only two substitute appearances for West Bromwich Albion and moved to Burnley permanently in order to pursue first-team football, signing on transfer deadline day in 2005 for a £175,000 fee where he became a popular player with the fans.[3]
His form at the start of the 2006–07 season at Burnley was among the best of his career. However, by the start of the 2007–08 season he seemed to be relegated to a squad player's role.
The departure of Steve Cotterill as Burnley manager brought Owen Coyle in and he immediately restored O'Connor to the starting eleven. O'Connor responded by resuming his previous good form as the team's results improved. He was offered a new contract at the end of the 2007–08 season but when O'Connor asked for more time to consider his options, Coyle withdrew the offer and released him. O'Connor confirmed in an interview on BBC Radio Lancashire on 23 May that he was about to start a coaching course before deciding on his future.[4][3]
O'Connor confirmed his move to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on 27 June 2008 following a month of speculation surrounding the move in the press.[5][6] He joined the club on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling after turning down the offer to extend his stay at Turf Moor. He has become a favoured player under manager Brian Laws, captaining the side on two occasions, with his dogged determination, efficient passing and stunning acrobatics. [7]
International career
O'Connor has played for the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level.[1]
Personal life
O'Connor's younger brother, Danny, is also a professional footballer. He currently plays for Shamrock Rovers.
References
- ^ a b eircom (2000-10-26). "Nominees announced for eircom/FAI International Soccer Awards 2000". Press release. http://mmm.eircom.ie/press/PressRelease_Target.asp?id=48&y=1978. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ "Stoke City Player of the Year Award goes to..... James O'Connor!". bbc.co.uk. May 2003. http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/stokecity/2003/05/player_of_the_year.shtml. Retrieved 2008-01-15.
- ^ a b "Burnley withdraw O'Connor offer". BBC Sport. 2008-05-23. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/7415439.stm. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ ."Sports Show". BBC Radio Lancashire. 2008-05-23.
- ^ "Owls capture midfielder O'Connor". BBC Sport. 2008-06-27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/7477496.stm. Retrieved 2008-06-27.
- ^ Ian Appleyard (2008-05-28). "O'Connor set to sign for Owls". Yorkshire Post. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sheffield-wed/O39Connor-set-to-sign-for.4125441.jp. Retrieved 2008-06-27.
- ^ "O'Connor can't wait to get started". SWFC.co.uk. 2008-06-27. http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~1335349,00.html. Retrieved 2008-06-27.
External links
- James O'Connor profile at swfc.co.uk
- James O'Connor profile at burnleyfootballclub.com
- James O’Connor profile at wba.co.uk
- James O'Connor career stats at Soccerbase
- Article on O'Connor leaving Burnley at Claretsmad.com
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