After Peterborough’s disastrous start to the League One season, which currently sees them sitting in last place in the third tier, Darragh MacAnthony and co. are scrambling to sign an experienced core of players who will help the Posh to stave off relegation.
Following the arrival of Tom Lees, who is formerly of Huddersfield Town, they looked to have made another solid addition in the centre of defence.
Tom O’Connor Set To Join Peterborough United
According to Pete O’Rourke, the Posh will complete the signing of Wrexham centre-back Tom O’Connor before this evening’s 7pm deadline. It is currently unclear whether the deal will be on a permanent or temporary basis.
The Irishman started his career in the Southampton academy, but never made a first-team appearance for the Saints.
His first stint in senior football came in League One with Gillingham, whom he joined on loan in August 2019. His performances for the Gills were impressive, playing 32 games and netting once for the third-tier side in a Covid-affected season.
O’Connor returned to Gillingham for the following campaign and once again had a solid season, playing 35 times for the Gills.
He was released by Southampton in the summer of 2021 and joined Burton Albion on a two-year deal. The next six months proved to be arguably O’Connor’s most impressive stint in men’s football.
The Kilkenny-born defender scored five times in 18 games for the Brewers whilst also being rock-solid defensively. This prompted Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to pay an undisclosed fee to bring the Irishman to the National League.
Over the last three-and-a-half seasons, O’Connor has featured regularly for Wrexham. The versatile defender has made 110 appearances for the Red Dragons, playing a key part in all three of the club’s promotions from the National League to the Championship.
Unfortunately, it looks like the 26-year-old is set to leave Wales without making an appearance in the Championship.
Will O’Connor Be Able To Fix Peterborough’s Defence?
The Posh have looked poor on all fronts this season. But their success this campaign is undeniably rooted in sorting out their long-term defensive issues.
Darren Ferguson’s side have never replaced the successful centre-back pairing of Josh Knight and Frankie Kent, nor have they found a solid goalkeeper.
This summer, Alex Bass has signed to fill the void in goal and will hopefully succeed once he returns from injury, meaning the centre of defence is the next area that needs addressing.
This is exactly where O’Connor will come in to play. He already has 111 games in the third tier under his belt, as well as a promotion from League One, meaning he will add more experience to the Posh’s backline.
Additionally, he is left-footed, which makes him the perfect companion for the right-footed Lees. This central defensive partnership, when combined with Peter Kioso and Carl Johnston, and Bass when fit, should provide a solid foundation, which will allow the young Peterborough attackers to express themselves and fire the Posh up the table.