Former Charlton Athletic defender makes South London return

BY JACK BURGESS

Former Charlton defender Eoghan O’Connell made his return to South London against Bromley on Saturday, featuring for Wrexham in a 2-1 victory in the National League.

The Irishman left the Addicks on transfer deadline day in January.

Centre-back O’Connell opted to drop down two divisions. He had only joined Charlton last summer on a free transfer from Rochdale, penning a three-year deal with the Addicks. The defender made 22 appearances in all competitions before his exit at the start of this year.

Addicks manager Dean Holden told Charlton’s official website at the time: “Eoghan wants to be playing every week and the move provides him with a longer-term deal with great financial reward, as well as the regular football he craves.”

O’Connell spoke positively about his brief stint at Charlton.

“I didn’t mind London, I obviously wasn’t there very long, but it was a nice time for me,” said the former Celtic defender. “I enjoyed my time there (Charlton). I still talk to a lot of the lads there, so hopefully they’ll carry on doing well.”

The defender refused to say whether he was enjoying life at Wrexham more than his spell at Charlton.

“I don’t know, to be honest,” he said. “I am happy here, but I was happy there as well”

O’Connell has started Wrexham’s last three games – all of them ending in wins.

He said: “I actually had a little injury for the first few games, so it’s nice to be back in the team. I just look to help in whatever way I can and we’re all looking forward to the games coming up.

“I’m really happy. I think at this stage of the season, the points are really all that matters. We just need to keep looking forward to the next game all of the time and we’ll continue to do that.”