O'Connor goes for £500,000

Last updated : 14 July 2003 By Rob Stanway
O'Connor once played under Megson at the Britannia Stadium, when he first broke his way into the team. Under Megson's wing, James went from stregnth to stregnth and became a much loved regular in the Stoke City line-up.

O'Connor's contract ran out this summer, but due to Football League regulations - Stoke can still demand a fee for the 23 year old midfielder.


James, despite being happy at joining a new club, was sad to say goodbye.

He told the Stoke Sentinel: "It's been hard saying goodbye because I have got so many close friends at Stoke. This place has become a second home for me.

"The main reason I am leaving is because I'm out of contract and just feel it's the right time to move on.

"I've always had a great relationship with the fans, and now I just hope they will understand my reasons for going.

"Hopefully, they will remember me as a player who always worked his butt off for the club."