Whilst most eyes were on the November international break, Jack O’Connell became the latest to commit his future to Sheffield United.
On Wednesday the 23 year old centre half signed a new and improved four and a half year deal at Bramall Lane keeping him at the club until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The Liverpool born defender made the switch from Brentford in the summer of 2016 and quickly established himself as a key player for us with standout showings in our run to the League One title and our return to the Championship.
He has 67 games and six goals to his name so far.
Manager Chris Wilder told the Official Site that he couldn’t have been more delighted to see him sign up for longer.
‘Jack hasn’t just impressed me, he has impressed everybody at the club with his performances and he is a very important player for us who has done fantastically well. He came from Brentford’s reserves and was terrific last season. He’s adapted to the step up to the Championship and has been outstanding for this term.’
Wilder went on to say.
‘Jack has impressed everybody, there is only one opinion regarding Jack. He has adapted to the step up this season and has been outstanding for us. I wanted to keep him, he wanted to stay and it’s part of our medium to long-term strategy of keeping our best players. We’ve got a group to build around and Jack’s firmly one of those. He has had to perform to remain in the team, but he is a proper footballer, he trains as he plays, and he is an excellent professional. He is great to work with and these of the type of players we’ve brought to the club to improve and develop with us.’
O’Connell added.
‘Once the Gaffer spoke about me signing a new deal, I agreed straight away, it was a no-brainer. I only see myself improving here and continuing to progress my career. This is a big club, we have an excellent group of players who are all winners and a terrific staff who know how to get the best of us.’
Adding.
‘Everyone mixes together here, there aren’t any clicks, although I do spend the most time with the car school. It is a nightmare to be honest with Duffy, Lundstram and Ched. The Gaffer has kept the majority of the squad together and that has ensured our strong team spirit and togetherness has remained, that’s helped us.’
Reflecting on his form since joining the club.
‘I just want to repay the fans with my performances, I did last season and I want to again this time around. The fans give us a massive boost, so when they are chanting you’re name it gives you that extra edge. I’d not played much in a back three apart from a few times at Rochdale, but last season it just clicked for me. I’ve grown into it over the months. The big benefit of playing this formation is it gives the defenders the license and freedom to attack and help the team score goals.’
