Charlton Athletic boss: Eoghan O’Connell will get game time he craves at Wrexham

Charlton manager Dean Holden has said that Eoghan O’Connell’s transfer to Wrexham is a good deal for all parties.

The Irish centre-back signed for the Addicks in the summer on a free from Rochdale.

But now O’Connell, recently back from a knee injury, has joined the ambitious National League side.

The former Celtic player has been on the bench since he returned to the senior set-up with Ryan Inniss and youngster Lucas Ness both holding down starting spots.

Charlton have also signed Michael Hector, a free agent since he left Fulham in July, earlier today on a deal until the summer.

Holden said: “When I walked into the club centre-half was an area that I wanted to look at.

“We’ve been able to bring in some real quality and experience in the form of Michael Hector and I have also been really pleased at the emergence of Lucas Ness, as well as what I have seen from the other young defenders.

“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.

“Given the lack of first team opportunities he was likely to get here, and the fee involved, it makes sense for us as a football club. He’s a really good character and a top professional and we wish him the best for the future.”

O’Connell told Wrexham’s official website: “It’s a club on the up. It’s an exciting part of the season to come in, and the lads have done well to get us to this point.

“I know what it’s like coming to the end of the season, targeting promotion, when the pressure’s on so I’m really looking forward to it.

“The ambition of the club, with the manager and players here, is obviously promotion so I’ll throw myself in and see how I can contribute to it.”

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson added: “I’m very pleased, Eoghan is a very strong signing for us. We had the disappointment of losing a couple of players over the weekend, but it was important we acted quickly.

“He has a lot of experience at a high level and he will bring a lot of quality to the team.

“The last two days have been long searching for the player we felt could make the difference for us and I’d like to thank the co-chairmen for their support in bringing in Eoghan to the club.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD