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Anthony O'Connor (footballer)

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Anthony O'Connor
Personal information
Full name Anthony Dean O'Connor[1]
Date of birth (1992-10-25) 25 October 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth Cork, Ireland
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) Defender, Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Harrogate Town
Number 15
Youth career
2008–2011 Blackburn Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2015 Blackburn Rovers 0 (0)
2012–2013 → Burton Albion (loan) 48 (0)
2013–2014 → Torquay United (loan) 31 (0)
2014–2015 → Plymouth Argyle (loan) 24 (0)
2015 Plymouth Argyle 18 (3)
2015–2016 Burton Albion 21 (1)
2016–2018 Aberdeen 70 (5)
2018–2021 Bradford City 123 (8)
2021–2023 Morecambe 50 (3)
2023– Harrogate Town 40 (4)
International career
2008 Republic of Ireland U17 3 (0)
2010–2011 Republic of Ireland U19 9 (2)
2013 Republic of Ireland U21 8 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:43, 4 December 2023 (UTC)

Anthony Dean O'Connor (born 25 October 1992) is an Irish footballer who plays for EFL League Two club Harrogate Town. He can play as a defender or as a midfielder. He previously played in Scotland for Aberdeen and in England for Blackburn Rovers, Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle, Burton Albion, Bradford City and Morecambe, and has played for the Republic of Ireland at U17, U19 and U21 levels.

Career

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Blackburn Rovers

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Born in Cork,[2] O'Connor joined the academy setup at Blackburn Rovers 2008, having previously played for Kilreen Celtic and Nu Farm.[3] In the summer of 2010, O'Connor signed his first professional contract.[citation needed]

In the summer of 2012, O'Connor signed a one-year contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, and, after a successful loan spell at Burton Albion, Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean rewarded O'Connor with a new, improved 2+1⁄2-year extension, which would keep him at Blackburn until the summer of 2015.[4] Ahead of the 2013–14 season, O'Connor was given the number 28 shirt at the club.[5]

Burton Albion (loan)

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On 15 August 2012, he joined Football League Two side Burton Albion on an initial one-month loan.[6] His professional debut for Burton came on 18 August 2012, in a 3–0 defeat to Rotherham United at the New York Stadium. On 11 September 2013, O'Connor's loan spell at Burton was extended to January 2013.[7] During that time, he became a regular at the Pirelli Stadium. His loan spell was again extended, this time until the end of the season.[8] In his time at Burton Albion, Gary Rowett said O'Connor was good enough to play in the championship for Blackburn but needed to be given the opportunity. In total, O'Connor made 53 appearances in all competitions for the club during the 2012–13 season, reaching the play-off semifinal, where they lost to Bradford City 5–4 over two legs.[9] Burton Albion attempted to sign O'Connor, but were unsuccessful.[10]

Torquay United (loan)

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On 1 October 2013, O'Connor joined League Two side Torquay United on a one-month loan deal.[11] On 29 October 2013, O'Connor extended his loan at Torquay by a further month, keeping him at Plainmoor until 30 November 2013. Alan Knill praised the 21-year-old for his performances saying: "if there is a better young defender in the league, I haven't seen him".[12] Two days after his loan had expired, Torquay decided to extend his stay by a further month, eeping him at the club until the end of December 2013.[13] Shortly after extending his loan spell, O'Connor was named as the club's Player of the Month for November.[14] Through the season, O'Connor was unable to help the club survive relegation to the Football Conference, making 31 appearance and being named 2013–14 Young Player of the Season.[15]

Plymouth Argyle (loan)

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Despite aiming to make a breakthrough for Blackburn Rovers in the 2014–15 season,[16] O'Connor joined Plymouth Argyle on loan until 10 January 2015.[17] On 16 August 2014 O'Connor made his Plymouth debut, playing as defensive midfielder, in a 3–0 win over rivals, Exeter City.[18] Between August and February, O'Connor "operated in a holding role in front of the defence" and played "either in a midfield holding role or as a centre-back" which led manager John Sheridan to praise his performances, labelling O'Connor his most important player.[19][20]

Plymouth Argyle

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On 2 February 2015, O'Connor signed for Plymouth Argyle, with Plymouth taking over Blackburn's existing contract for the defender, which was set to expire at the end of the season. Sheridan admitted that his side missed O'Connor because of the high standards he sets. A successful spell followed, which saw the League Two side rocket up to 4th in the table.[20][21] O'Connor's first game after signing for the club on a permanent basis came five days later, in a 1–0 win over Accrington Stanley.[22] O'Connor scored his first Plymouth goal on 7 March 2015, in a 2–0 win over Northampton Town;[23] however, O'Connor suffered a groin injury that kept him out for a month.[24] O'Connor made his return to the first team against Mansfield Town on 11 April 2015,[25] when he scored in a 2–1 win,[26] followed up by scoring again in a 1–1 draw against AFC Wimbledon on 14 April 2015.[27] Argyle reached the playoffs, losing to Wycombe Wanderers 5–3 over two legs in the semi-final.

Burton Albion

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On 18 July 2015, O'Connor signed a two-year deal with Burton Albion after turning down a contract offer from Plymouth Argyle, returning to the club where he had spent the 2012–13 season on loan.[28] O'Connor helped his side win promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history.

Aberdeen

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On 25 June 2016, O'Connor signed a deal with Aberdeen, subject to International clearance.[29] On 7 July 2016, he made his debut in the second leg of the Europa League First qualifying round tie against Fola Esch.[30] O'Connor became a regular in the side very quickly and manager Derek McInnes labelled him 'obsessed' and his obsession could make him a star. On 4 November 2016, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 win away to Partick Thistle.[31] O'Connor finished the 2016/2017 season with 3 goals, got to the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup final and helped his side to a second-place finish behind Celtic.

O'Connor began the 2017/2018 season in really good form playing in the europa league qualifiers, which his side would eventually go out to Apollol Limassol in the 3rd round. O'Connor played a key role in the heart of the defence and sometimes operating in midfield playing every game of the 17/18 season, helping his side to another 2nd-place finish behind Celtic. Despite Aberdeen trying to tie O'Connor down to a long-term deal, he decided he wanted to return to England.

Bradford City

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He signed a three-year contract with Bradford City in June 2018.[32] He was made club captain by October 2018.[33] He was replaced as captain by Paul Caddis in February 2019.[34]

On 12 May 2021 he was one of nine players that Bradford City announced would leave the club on 30 June 2021 when their contracts expire.[35][36]

Morecambe

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In June 2021, O’Connor signed for Morecambe on a two-year deal.[37]

Harrogate Town

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On 11 January 2023, O'Connor's Morecambe contract was terminated by mutual consent,[38] allowing him to join Harrogate Town.[39]

International career

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In 2008, O'Connor was called up by Republic of Ireland U17 squad for the qualifying phase of the UEFA Under 17s Championship.[40] After this, O'Connor had represented Republic of Ireland U19[citation needed] and Republic of Ireland U21.[41]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of 2 December 2023[42]
Club Season Division League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Blackburn Rovers 2012–13 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2013–14 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014–15 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burton Albion (loan) 2012–13[43] League Two 48 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 53 0
Torquay United (loan) 2013–14[44] League Two 31 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 32 0
Plymouth Argyle (loan) 2014–15[45] League Two 24 0 2 0 1 0 2[a] 0 29 0
Plymouth Argyle 2014–15[45] League Two 18 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 3
Burton Albion 2015–16[46] League One 21 1 0 0 2 0 1[a] 0 24 1
Aberdeen 2016–17 Scottish Premiership 32 3 4 0 4 0 1[b] 0 41 3
2017–18 Scottish Premiership 38 2 5 0 2 0 4[b] 0 49 2
Total 70 5 9 0 6 0 5 0 90 5
Bradford City 2018–19[47] League One 42 6 4 0 1 0 2[a] 0 49 6
2019–20[48] League Two 36 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 39 0
2020–21[49] League Two 45 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 49 3
Total 123 8 8 1 4 0 2 0 137 9
Morecambe 2021–22[50] League One 40 2 3 1 2 1 1[a] 0 46 4
2022–23[51] League One 10 1 1 0 2 0 3[a] 0 16 1
Total 50 3 4 1 4 1 4 0 62 5
Harrogate Town 2022–23[51] League Two 20 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 2
2023–24[52] League Two 20 2 2 0 1 0 1[a] 1 24 3
Total 40 4 2 0 1 0 1 1 44 5
Career Total 425 23 29 2 20 1 15 1 489 28
  1. ^ a b c d e f Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League

References

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  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Bradford City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 8. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  2. ^ a b "FootballSquads - Bradford City - 2019/2020". footballsquads.co.uk. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  3. ^ "Meet the Irish Under-17 squad". FAI. 26 September 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  4. ^ "O'Connor pens new deal". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 11 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ "New season, new numbers!". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 28 July 2013. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ "Burton Albion sign Matt Paterson and Anthony O'Connor". BBC Sport. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  7. ^ "Brewers Extend O'Connor Loan". Burton Albion Official Website. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ "O'Connor Loan Extension Confirmed". Burton Albion Official Website. 14 January 2013. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "Anthony O'Connor: Career History". Blackburn Rovers Official Website. 26 July 2013. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ^ "Blackburn Rovers to wait on O'Connor". Lancashire Telegraph. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  11. ^ "United sign O'Connor". Torquay United Official Website. 1 October 2013. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. ^ "O'CONNOR LOAN EXTENSION". Torquay United Official Website. 29 October 2013. Archived from the original on 31 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ^ "Another month for O'Connor". Torquay United Official Website. 2 December 2013. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ^ "NICE ONE ANT". Torquay United F.C. 8 December 2013. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^ "2013–14 AWARDS". Torquay United F.C. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  16. ^ "Sky Bet Championship: Anthony O'Connor ready to step up at Blackburn". Sky Sports. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Pilgrims call for O'Connor". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 4 August 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. ^ "Plymouth Argyle 3–0 Exeter City". BBC Sport. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  19. ^ "On-loan Blackburn Rovers defender Anthony O'Connor praised by Plymouth Argyle boss". Lancashire Telegraph. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  20. ^ a b "Plymouth want new deal for Blackburn Rovers youngster Anthony O'Connor". Lancashire Telegraph. 14 January 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  21. ^ "Transfer news: Plymouth sign Blackburn midfielder Anthony O'Connor". Sky Sports. 2 February 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  22. ^ "Plymouth Argyle 1–0 Accrington Stanley". BBC Sport. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  23. ^ "Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  24. ^ "High Energy". Plymouth Argyle F.C. 4 April 2015. Archived from the original on 10 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  25. ^ "Flying Ant". Plymouth Argyle F.C. 12 April 2015. Archived from the original on 10 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  26. ^ "Plymouth Argyle 2-1 Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  27. ^ "Plymouth Argyle 1-1 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  28. ^ Wilkinson, A (18 July 2015). "Burton Albion sign Anthony O'Connor on a two-year deal". Burton Mail. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  29. ^ "Anthony O'Connor joins Aberdeen". Aberdeen FC. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  30. ^ Southwick, Andrew (7 July 2016). "Fola Esch 1–0 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
  31. ^ Barnes, John (4 November 2016). "Partick Thistle 1–2 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  32. ^ "Anthony O'Connor: Bradford City sign Aberdeen defender on three-year contract". BBC Sport. 14 June 2018.
  33. ^ Simon Parker (23 October 2018). "Bradford City: O'Connor admits "some games we're better off not being there"". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
  34. ^ Parker, Simon (28 February 2019). "Caddis named Bradford City captain". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  35. ^ "NINE BANTAMS TO DEPART". www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk.
  36. ^ "City wave goodbye to nine - including long-serving defensive duo". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  37. ^ "SIGNING: Anthony O'Connor". www.morecambefc.com.
  38. ^ "O'Connor Leaves Via Mutual Consent". www.morecambefc.com. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  39. ^ "CENTRE HALF O'CONNOR SIGNS FROM MORECAMBE". www.harrogatetownafc.com. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  40. ^ "Rovers duo named in Ireland youth squad". Lancashire Telegraph. 24 September 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  41. ^ "Country calls". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 31 January 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  42. ^ "A. O'CONNOR". Soccerway. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  43. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  44. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  45. ^ a b "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  46. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  47. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  48. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  49. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  50. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  51. ^ a b "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  52. ^ "Games played by Anthony O'Connor in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
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