The Longside Reference

Name: Garreth O'Connor

D.O.B: 10th November 1978

Place of Birth:Dublin

Previous Clubs:Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, Bournemouth, Burnley, Bournemouth (loan), Luton Town

Signed by Steve Cotterill

Burnley Fee: Bosman Free

Claret Debut: 5th August 2005, Crewe Alexandra (A)

Last Game for Burnley:

Claret Stats:30(13) Appearances, 9 Goals.

Claret Honours : None

International Honours: None?

Claret Stat: Garreth O'Connor was signed by Steve Cotterill from Bournemouth on a Bosman in May 2005 after starting his career in his native Ireland with Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, Garreth moved to England with Bournemouth

Burnley played Garreth O'Connors Bournemouth side in January 2005, Cotterill must have seen something in Garreth and team mate Wade Elliott as he signed them both on a bosman free at the end of that season, Gareth started 26 League games 38 during the 2005-06 season his first season at Turf Moor, he was an integral part of Steve Cotterill's second season in charge.

His most memorable goal during that eventful season was a 25 yard free-kick against Wolverhampton Wanderers live on Sky TV to give the Clarets victory at Molineux by that solitary goal.

The following season with the signing of left winger Steve Jones, Garreth seemed to be out of favour and spent the 2006-07 season either sat on the substitutes bench or not even named in the first team squad at all.

Steve Cotterill placed O'Connor on the transfer list at the end of the season 06/07 season. But with few teams willing to give Burnley's former star player a crack, Doncaster Rovers and Bournemouth were among the few how showed any interest in Gareth.

O'Connor did  return to Bournemouth on trial in June 2007 with the possibility of a season long loan which, did not materialize with the midfielder prone to injury, and lack of the form which made O'Connor a crowd favorite at Turf Moor.

Steve Cotterill did not give O'Connor a squad number at the start of 2007/08! so it was apparent he had played his last game for Burnley, When Cotterill and Burnley parted company in November 2008, it seemed Garreth would be given a fair chance as new manager Coyle came in and gave the Irish midfielder a squad number, but he still found himself out in the proverbial cold, as he couldn't force himself into first team recognition, making just one substitute appearance.

After the ill-fated loan move to Bournemouth came to nothing Garreth was released by Burnley at the end of the 2007/08 season, Luton Town gave him a chance ,but by March 2009, Luton Town realised Gareth as they could not afford to pay the Irishman's wages.

As of March 2009 Garreth does not have a club, a shame for a player who most Burnley fans regarded as very good player.