Tranmere Rovers are pleased to announce the double signing of defender Lee O’Connor and midfielder Paul Lewis.
O’Connor, who was rewarded with the Republic of Ireland U21 player of the year award earlier this month, moves on a season long loan from Scottish champions Celtic, whilst Lewis has agreed a permanent one-year contract at the Club after leaving Cambridge United at the end of last season.
Both players have linked up with Mike Jackson’s squad and have trained with their new team mates as preparations continue for the 2020/21 campaign.
Delighted with the double signing, speaking about O’Connor first, Jackson said: “There is no secret we have needed a full back in the building. First of all, I would like to thank Celtic for allowing us to sign their player on loan and we are delighted to have him in.
“He is a young lad with an excellent pedigree, and we are looking forward to him. He has a lot of ability, he is good on the ball, he will fit into the group well. He fits the way we want to play.
New loan signing O’Connor admits he is now looking forward to using his experiences of playing international football to help his new club, Tranmere Rovers.
O’Connor said: “I am happy the move is now over the line. It is a massive football club, the conversations I have had with the Gaffer, the plans are very intriguing, and you know straight away how he wants to play.
“I spent a long time with Manchester United, so I know the North West well. I can’t wait for the league to start and hopefully I can help the Club achieve what they want to achieve.
I have learnt a lot from my time at Manchester United, Celtic and playing international football, and I am looking to use that experience to help me push on at Tranmere Rovers.”
Speaking about Lewis, boss Jackson said: “To be fair to the lad, he came in last week and trained so straight away, that shows his commitment. He wants to be here, he has played a lot of games in this league.
“He played 40 times last season and he has taken to the place brilliantly. We knew all about him anyway, so we have had a good look at his fitness and he has done really well.
“He is different to what we already have, he gives us a different option. He is a local lad, at a good age with still room to improve. It means a lot to him to sign for Tranmere, he is really enthusiastic, and he is honest. We are delighted, and he will do well.”
Fellow new recruit, Lewis added by saying he knows exactly what is expected from him now he is a Tranmere Rovers player.
He said: “I have enjoyed been around the place already, working with the manager, the coaching staff and the lads. As soon as you walk through the doors, you know you are playing for a massive football club and having grown up just 20 minutes down the road, I know the expectations and how big Tranmere Rovers are.
“I want to play a small part in a big project, and I am here to help! I have played against Tranmere a few times and I know how this place can get bouncing, the fans are incredible to play in front of.
“The gaffer’s ideas were a really big pull too. It has been a long few months regardless of what job you do so I can’t wait now for the league to start.”
Both players are available to sponsor for the 2020/21 season. To find out how to sponsor, please email debbieq@tranmererovers.co.uk now!
