_(cropped).jpg) O'Connor withLongford Town in 2014 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Kevin O'Connor | ||
| Date of birth | (1985-10-19)19 October 1985 (age 40) | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2004–2008 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 3 | (0) |
| 2005–2007 | →Stockport County (loan) | 7 | (1) |
| 2010 | Telford United | ||
| 2010–2012 | Worcester City | 77 | (3) |
| 2012–2013 | Bray Wanderers | 33 | (1) |
| 2014–2017 | Longford Town | 103 | (9) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Kevin O'Connor (born 19 October 1985) is an Irish retiredfootballer.
O'Connor began his career atWolverhampton Wanderers' Youth Academy and became a regular in the reserve team. He was never considered for the first team underGlenn Hoddle, and he instead joinedLeague TwoStockport County on loan in March 2006, making seven appearances and scoring one goal. His league debut came on 8 April when he appeared as a substitute in a 3–3 draw atCheltenham Town.
The appointment ofMick McCarthy as manager saw him promoted to the first team, making his senior debut for Wolves on 5 August 2006 atPlymouth Argyle, where he created Wolves' equaliser when his shot was deflected in to earn a 1–1 draw (later credited as an own-goal byMathias Kouo-Doumbé). However, after playing in the opening three games, his season was ended by a long-term hamstring injury.
He was approaching fitness by the start of the 2007–08 season and given another one-year contract, as Wolves lined up a loan move toGillingham for him; which he later rejected after becoming a father due to the long travelling distance. However, his hamstring problems again soon flared up and he spent the season again on the sidelines after having surgery in November 2007.
In May 2008 it was announced he would not be re-signed but would remain at the club continuing his rehabilitation in the short-term.[1] He went on trial to League TwoPort Vale.[2]
On 18 January 2010, O'Connor signed for Conference North teamAFC Telford United, after having trained them for three weeks to regain fitness.
In June 2010, it was announced that O'Connor had signed for Conference North clubWorcester City[3] and in 2011 signed a new contract with the club.[4]
In June 2012 O'Connor returned to his homeland when he signed forBray Wanderers where he linked up with his brother Danny O'Connor already a key member of Pat Devlin and Keith Long's Wanderers squad.[5]
In January 2014, he signed forLeague of Ireland sideLongford Town. He played a key role in helping 'De Town' lift the 2014 First Division title. O'Connor played for a further 3 seasons with Longford before leaving at the end of 2017.
O'Connor has been recognised by his country, being selected forRepublic of Ireland Under-18, Under-20 and Under-21 squads.
He has two footballer brothers:James, who played forOrlando City until named the head coach forLouisville City FC; whilstDanny was his teammate at Bray.
