Phil Parkinson has now named the one Wrexham player who went ‘under the radar’ during their promotion-winning campaign.
After almost two decades outside of the third tier, Wrexham sealed their return to League One.
The Reds celebrated promotion in style with a trip to Las Vegas for the second year running as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds rewarded the players for their hard work.
It was an incredible campaign for everyone associated with the club, and several players played their part.
Arthur Okonkwo put in some remarkable performances in between the sticks, with Wrexham now ‘desperate’ to sign the 22-year-old permanently.
West Ham academy graduate Elliot Lee rose to the occasion too as he scored an impressive 16 goals from midfield.
Striker Paul Mullin unsurprisingly satisfied his appetite for scoring goals by netting 26 in all competitions, including 14 strikes in his final 12 league matches.
Those three players in particular all earned an abundance of praise however, there was one who went ‘under the radar’.
Phil Parkinson believes Eoghan O’Connell went ‘under the radar’ for Wrexham
Wrexham centre-back Eoghan O’Connell enjoyed an impressive campaign in defence.
The 28-year-old appeared 30 times in the league and expertly marshalled a back line alongside youngster Max Cleworth and talented defender Tom O’Connor.
A domineering presence physically but equally capable with the ball at his feet, O’Connell’s performances set the tone for the Reds to flourish in attack and Parkinson believes the Irishman went ‘under the radar’.
Speaking to The Leader, the 56-year-old said: “Eoghan certainly hasn’t gone under the radar from my point of view.
“He has defended well but he is also a good footballer and he starts a lot of attacks off for us. I am very pleased with him. It is a big position.
“In that role, as Ben has done for us over the years, Eoghan has the ball a lot and starts a lot of attacks off but also has the responsibility to organise as well.
“Both Ben and Eoghan fulfilled that role for us really well.”
Eoghan O’Connell deserves his flowers
O’Connell was deployed in the middle of the back three.
He’s responsible for carrying the ball out from defence and kick-starting attacks, something Parkinson believes he was “excellent” at doing.
This was reinforced by his 86% pass completion (own half) and 6.5 balls recovered per game, which evinces his quality as a dominant ball-playing defender.
Whilst Mullin, Lee and Okonkwo will take most of the plaudits, O’Connell is finally getting the recognition he deserves and for it to come from Parkinson shows how highly he’s rated in the Wrexham squad.
As the Reds step up to League One, several positions in the starting XI will need bolstering, including goalkeeper, left back and striker.
O’Connell’s position in the middle of the back three however, can remain untouched as the former Rochdale defender has flourished in the third tier previously.
Having made 120 appearances, more than his tally of 106 in League Two, the talented defender is experienced enough to remain an important player for Parkinson.