Wrexham star Thomas O’Connor has committed to his future at the Racecourse after agreeing on a contract extension.
Red Dragons key player O’Connor has agreed terms with Wrexham on a three-year deal to extend his stay in North Wales.
The 25-year-old has been impressive since joining from Burton Albion in 2022 and has played a huge part in back-to-back promotions to League One.
Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have supported Phil Parkinson in rebuilding his squad this summer.
The club have brought in several new faces with Arthur Okonkwo, Lewis Brunt, and George Dobson. However, the former Sunderland coach has been keen to tie down some of his most important players on new deals.
O’Connor joins the likes of Max Cleworth, George Evans, Steven Fletcher, and Mark Howard in the first team to have extended their deals at the club.
The Red Dragons boss has been keen to use the Irishman in a versatile role, with the former Burton star capable of playing as a holding midfielder or as a ball-playing centre-half.
After landing Dobson and Brunt, O’Connor is likely to have one important role under Parkinson.
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Tom O’Connor to be vital to Wrexham in 2024/25
After agreeing on deals to bring ex-Leicester City defender Brunt and former Charlton Athletic midfielder Dobson to the Racecourse, O’Connor has quality competition for both roles he has played under Parkinson.
The former Southampton youth had been key in his versatility to play both holding midfield and as part of a back three.
However, with Dobson and Evans as strong options in holding midfield, The former Gillingham star may become a mainstay in the back line.
O’Connor will be vital to Parkinson’s new-look defence with Brunt and Cleworth offering a younger backline that Wrexham can build on.
Tom O’Connor will be a part of new look Wrexham defence
After the departures of Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden, The former Bradford City coach needed to rebuild his Wrexham backline.
With contract extensions to O’Connor and Cleworth, alongside the arrival of Brunt, there seems to be a switch in style for Parkinson.
All three defenders are capable of playing out from the back and carrying the ball into midfield. Other defensive options in Eoghan O’Connell and Will Boyle are powerful defenders but are less comfortable in starting attacks.
With the expected quality level to rise in League One, Parkinson may feel he needs his defenders to be able to play out from the back comfortably to retain possession, but, also to be a threat in building attacks and quick counters on opponents.
O’Connor will play a vital role in this development with the 25-year-old able to guide the younger defenders in this potential transition in the new-look Wrexham defence.