Tranmere Rovers have announced that fullbacks Connor Wood and Lee O’Connor have both signed one-year contract extensions until the summer of 2025, according to their official website. 

Connor Wood left Leyton Orient in the summer of 2023 and would sign for Tranmere Rovers in September on a deal until the end of the 2023/24 season, making 29 appearances. O’Connor, however, has been at Tranmere since 2020 where he joined on a season-long loan deal from Scottish Premier League side Celtic. The Irishman would return to Prenton Park the following summer on a second loan deal before making the move permanent in January 2022. The Irishman has now made over 100 appearances for the Sky Bet League Two side.

Speaking to Tranmere Rover’s official website, Wood spoke about his time on Merseyside saying:

“This is like a home away from home now.  I’ve come in here, really settled in and found my feet.  I’m really enjoying it, so hopefully next season I’ll get a full pre-season and really kick on.”

O’Connor also spoke about his new deal, saying:

“I’ve been here a while now, next year will be my fifth season so it’s somewhere I’ve kind of grown up, I think I was 19 when I came. I’ve grown up a lot and I’ve loved every minute of it so I’m excited to continue.”

What are Tranmere Rovers boss Nigel Adkins’ thoughts?

Tranmere Rovers boss Nigel Adkins shared his thoughts on the extensions and expressed his delight in getting both players tied down to new deals. Speaking to the club website, Adkins said:

“I am really pleased that Lee O’Connor has extended his stay with us. He has performed well this season in the right-back position forming an effective attacking partnership with Rob Apter. We are looking forward to working with Lee again next season.”

“I am delighted that Connor Wood has extended his stay with us. This follows on from the consistent performances Connor put together once he established himself in the team. We look forward to working with him again next season.”

A good bit of business?

Both fullbacks offer a lot to Nigel Adkins’ side and therefore the extensions can certainly be seen as a smart move from the former Southampton boss ahead of his first full season in charge of his hometown club.

Starting with O’Connor, Tranmere fans will be all too familiar with the qualities that the 23-year-old possesses. The former Celtic fullback formed a dangerous partnership with Blackpool loanee Rob Apter this season and recorded five assists. However, it is not his attacking abilities that make this a sensible move. O’Connor provides Tranmere Rovers with versatility, previously impressing in defensive midfield for the Super Whites, meaning he is more than capable of playing in different roles if required.

Wood has had a steady first season with Rovers and has certainly impressed the Rovers boss. Adkins spoke of the left back’s “attitude and hard work in training” as being a factor behind the extension but also praised the 27-year-old for his consistent performances. With an average match rating of 7.12 last season, Wood was a consistent performer for Tranmere. The former Leyton Orient fullback also registered three assists across the 2023/24 season.

Overall, the decision to extend both contracts should be seen as a solid bit of business from Tranmere Rovers. Both players offer consistency and have a wealth of experience, making over 300 appearances in League Two combined, and are a solid beginning to what could be an important summer transfer window.