permanently to pursue first-team football, signing on transfer deadline day in 2005 for a £175,000 fee where he became a popular player with the fans. His form at the start of the 2006–07 season at Burnley was among the best of his career. However, by the start of the 2007–08 season he seemed to be relegated to a squad player's role. The departure of Steve Cotterill as Burnley manager brought Owen Coyle in and he immediately restored O'Connor to the starting eleven. O'Connor responded by resuming his previous good form as the team's results improved. He was offered a new contract at the end of the 2007–08 season but when O'Connor asked for more time to consider his options, Coyle withdrew the offer and released him. O'Connor confirmed in an interview on BBC Radio Lancashire on 23 May that he was about to start a coaching course before deciding on his future. O'Connor confirmed his move to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on 27 June 2008 following a month of speculation surrounding the move in the press. He joined the club on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling after turning down the offer to extend his stay at Turf Moor. International career O'Connor played for the Ireland at Under-21 level. Coaching career On 10 January 2012, O'Connor signed with American third-tier side Orlando City of USL Pro. He became a player-coach in 2013 with the team. He then became manager of Louisville City (Orlando City sold their rights to a USL Pro team to an investor group in Louisville, Kentucky). In March 2017, O'Connor extended his contract with Louisville City through the 2020 season. On 29 June 2018, Louisville City announced that O'Connor would depart the club after its match against New York Red Bulls II the next day to become head coach of Orlando City SC in MLS, replacing Jason Kreis, who was sacked two weeks earlier. A trio of players – George Davis IV, Paolo DelPiccolo and Luke Spencer – would serve as player-coaches on an interim basis until a replacement was announced. He was sacked at the end of the 2019 season with the team having missed out on playoffs again and remaining 11th in the Eastern Conference. Personal life O'Connor's two brothers, Danny and Kevin both played for Bray Wanderers. Career statistics Managerial statistics All competitive games (league and domestic cups) are included. Honours Stoke City