We are delighted to announce that Joe O'Connor has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The latest of the current academy crop to have signed pro terms, midfielder O'Connor is currently on loan with Southern League Division One side Tavistock, where he has made a total of 27 appearances - including 16 starts - scoring twice.
O'Connor made his first team debut in October 2022, coming off the bench in a Papa Johns Trophy fixture away at Forest Green Rovers, in a game where several other youngsters featured.
"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 the professional contract.
"He's been here since he was 8 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."
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