Exeter City have announced that Joe O’Connor has signed his first professional contract with the club.
O’Connor becomes the fifth academy product to have penned pro terms in the month of March, following on from Max Edgecombe, Mitch Beardmore, Ed James and Pedro Borges.
The young defender made his senior Grecians debut during a Papa Johns Trophy clash at Forest Green Rovers back in October and is now currently out on loan at Southern League Division One side Tavistock.
Speaking to Exeter City’s website, Joe said: “It’s an absolutely brilliant feeling. It’s something I’ve been working really hard towards for the last ten years.
“I’d like to thank my family for all the sacrifices and support they’ve given me. I certainly wouldn’t be here without them, and all the help of the academy staff.
“I’ve loved every second of my loan at Tavistock, it’s a really special club, and the players are so tightknit. Their manager has spoken to Kevin Nicholson a lot about my progress and the experience has been so important for me.”
Head of Coaching, Brad Lee-Miller added: “Joe’s time at the academy has been outstanding and he’s been on an incredible journey, and we were delighted to offer him a professional contract.
“He’s been here since he was eight years old and achieved so much, and he can now take the next step forward. He has been excellent and is hard working, both physically and technically, and has been an excellent human being.
“He really drives standard within our group and off the pitch he is very humble. We are very proud of what he has achieved.”
