Midfield duo set for Oriel

Premier Division newcomers Dundalk could further add to their squad in the coming days as manager Sean Connor looks to tie up deals with midfield duo Chris Turner and Garreth O’Connor. Connor admitted at a press conference on Thursday that he will now focus on strengthening his defensive and midfield departments, as his strike-force took shape yesterday with the signing of Declan O’Brien from Drogheda United.

Now the 41-year-old will look to another of his ex-players, Chris Turner, who would join former team-mates Thomas Heary, Darren Mansaram, and Harpal Singh at Oriel Park. A deal was not finalised in time for yesterday’s unveiling, which saw O’Brien introduced to fans as well as Joe Miller being announced as assistant manager. However, it is believed that the pair are close to striking an agreement.

Former Northern Ireland under-21 international Turner played under Connor at both Sligo Rovers and Bohemians. Last July Turner left Bohs, where he struggled to gain a first-team place under Pat Fenlon, by mutual consent and soon signed for Scottish First Division club Partick Thistle. The Jags, though, recently gave Turner permission to seek another club and it appears the 22-year-old will choose Dundalk to reignite his career, which has suffered as a result of off-the-field incidents.

Garreth O’Connor, meanwhile, is also looking to return to football and, at the age of 30, looks set to return to his native land to finish his career after a long spell in England. O’Connor has League of Ireland experience with both Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians but hasn’t played here since leaving Dalymount Park at the turn of the century. In his sole season with the Gypsies in 1999/00, O’Connor gained an FAI Cup runners-up medal as Bohs narrowly lost out to Shelbourne in the decider.

In England, he spent six seasons in total during two different stints at Bournemouth and also played for Burnley and most recently League Two side Luton Town. Last October, O’Connor signed for Luton after a three week trial. Hatters boss Mick Harford had been impressed by O’Connor’s performances in the reserves as he scored three goals in two games. However, a combination of competition for places and unimpressive performances in the league led to O’Connor’s contract not being renewed and he was released by the club at the end of 2008.

Now, though, the attacking midfielder could be on his way to Oriel Park for the Lilywhites’ return to the top flight if he can agree terms with Connor, who has recently spent time in England and Scotland in an attempt to bolster his squad. While Turner and O’Connor are likely to become Dundalk players in the next week Connor is also in pursuit of a number of others, with his squad due to begin pre-season training tomorrow (Saturday), including a defender who Dundalk fans will know well from recent seasons.