Phil Parkinson has a player at Wrexham with ‘real quality’ who is irreplaceable, and it’s not who you’d think.
The summer transfer window beckons at Wrexham and a finance expert has tipped Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to spend big.
There are currently no signs of them opening the chequebook but there have been links to several players, including Wigan Athletic’s Jason Kerr, Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard and free agent Marvin Ekpiteta.
With Phil Parkinson eyeing up talent in multiple positions, it’s often easy to forget he has a League One squad at his disposal. The likes of Paul Mullin, Eoghan O’Connell, Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee are all ready to make the step up.
There is, however, one player who went under the radar last season and he’s irreplaceable to Parkinson.
Tom O’Connor is irreplaceable to Wrexham
Tom O’Connor was captured from Burton Albion in January 2022 and has played a pivotal role in their rise up the divisions.
Having started his Wrexham journey in the National League, O’Connor is now preparing for life in League One, three years after playing in the third tier with Burton.
Last season, the former Republic of Ireland under-21 star made 34 appearances in League Two and provided three assists.
O’Connor showed his versatility across numerous positions, operating as a left centre-back, a deep-lying and advanced midfielder.
The 25-year-old flourished in both areas of the pitch and after grabbing the assist for Cannon’s strike against Grimsby Town, Parkinson hailed him for his “real quality”.
A player is rarely comfortable operating in the back three or as a midfielder. Yet, O’Connor makes that transition look so easy having recovered 5.3 balls per game, won 61% of his duels and created eight big chances in 2023/24.
Wrexham will be looking to bolster their defence and midfield this summer but O’Connor’s place on the left of a back three should be cemented as he’s simply irreplaceable to Parkinson.
Tom O’Connor was wanted by Championship clubs last summer
Following their promotion to League Two, in which O’Connor starred, the versatile Irishman attracted interest from multiple Championship clubs.
It was reported by the Daily Mirror that Coventry City were tracking the ex-Southampton youngster and although no bid was tabled, it shows he’s highly-rated by outsiders.
Parkinson must brace for further interest in the defender this summer as he’s just performed brilliantly at a higher level and is a manager’s dream to work with.
Notwithstanding that, Wrexham are in a brilliant position heading into the third tier as they have a squad brimming with League One talent and O’Connor is at the forefront of that list.