Versatile defender becomes Derby's fourth summer signing

Versatile defender becomes Derby's fourth summer signing

Derby County have today bolstered their defensive options for the new season with the signing of versatile Doncaster Rovers defender James O’Connor for an undisclosed fee.

 

The former Aston Villa trainee, who joined Doncaster in 2006, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the Rams – with the option of a further year - to become the Rams’ fourth signing of the summer.

 

27-year-old O’Connor registered well in excess of 200 appearances during six years at the Keepmoat Stadium and brings wealth of experience with him to Pride Park. He was a key player in their promotion to the Championship in 2007-08, and remained a vital part of the side that remained in the second tier of English football for four seasons.

 

O’Connor can play anywhere across the back four and Derby boss Nigel Clough has revealed he is delighted to have secured the services of another experienced npower Championship defender, following the arrival of centre-back and new skipper Richard Keogh from Coventry City last month.

 

Clough said: “Like all of the players we’ve brought into the squad this summer, we’ve admired James for some time and think he will be a very good addition to the squad.

 

“He’s versatile and can play right across the back four, and it’s great to have someone like that in the squad who can do a job in a number of positions.

 

“He has good Championship experience and he’s impressed us whenever we’ve faced Doncaster, so we’re delighted to welcome him to Derby County and it certainly strengthens the options and qualities we’ve got at the back.”

 

O’Connor began his career with Premier League side Aston Villa; joining the Villans youth-set up in 1997, before agreeing terms on a professional contract in 2004 after helping their to FA Youth Cup glory in 2002.

 

He gained first-team experience with loan spells at Port Vale and AFC Bournemouth, and it was at the latter where O’Connor was first united with Sean O’Driscoll.

 

His temporary move was made permanent in January 2005, and O’Connor went on to help save the South Coast outfit from relegation in 2005-06 campaign.

 

His form for the Cherries attracted the interest of a host of clubs, before Doncaster Rovers eventually agreed a fee of £130,000 to secure the full-back’s services.

 

However, it did not take long for O’Connor to be reunited with O’Driscoll, as just four months into his career at the Keepmoat Stadium, the current Nottingham Forest boss was installed as manager.

 

In O’Connor’s first season with Doncaster, he helped Rovers lift the Football League Trophy, following a 3-2 Final victory over Bristol Rovers, and in the 2008-09 campaign he was one of the first names on the Doncaster teamsheet as the club won promotion to the Championship, with a Playoff Final victory over Leeds United at Wembley.

 

In the 2009-10 campaign O'Connor was awarded all three of Doncaster available supporters’ awards for his fine performances, including the Player of the Season Trophy, as they finished mid-table in the Championship.

 

At Doncaster O’Connor made 242 appearances in total, while he has a career record of 306 outings in all competitions.