Tom O’Connor has left Southampton after signing a deal to join Burton Albion on permanent basis once his deal with The Saints expired.
Joining the famed Southampton academy in 2015, one that produced the likes of Garteh Bale & Theo Walcott, the 22 year old has gone on and represented Ireland at U19 & U21 level. For the last two seasons he has been playing for Gillingham in the EFL League One, on loan from his parent club, making 67 appearances. His first league goal for the club was an 83rd-minute equaliser against Bristol Rovers on 17 September 2019
✍️ Burton Albion are delighted to confirm that Tom O’Connor will join the club once his contract at @SouthamptonFC expires.
Welcome to the @PirelliStadium, Tom!
Read more from our new signing right here.#BAFC
👇👇👇
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) June 23, 2021
This will be The Brewers seventh signing of the season, as Dutch legend Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink no doubt values the versatility of the Kilkenny man who can play both in defence and midfield. Speaking to the clubs official website, Burtonalbionfc.co.uk, Hasslebaink said
“He gives us good flexibility and can play in a number of positions – centre-back, left-back and left midfield. He’s someone with lots of energy and we’re looking forward to seeing him as a Burton Albion player.”
Tom also spoke with the site and outlined his happiness with the move and credited his former club’
“I’m delighted to sign up here. I’ve spent a long time at Southampton which has helped me hugely with how I like to play, I’m versatile and I’ve got good experience of the league from my two years with Gillingham.”
We wish Tom every success at the Pirelli Stadium and look forward to providing updates every weekend on Scoreline on KCLR from 2-6.
