Highly Rated Striker Joins On Loan From Bolton Wanderers Until 4th January, 2016.
Barnsley Football Club has today completed the signing of Bolton Wanderers Striker Conor Wilkinson for an initial loan period until 4th January, 2016.
The Croydon born 20-year-old started his career at Millwall where he progressed through the Academy system before joining Bolton Wanderers in July 2013 on a three-year contract. Conor made four Championship appearances for Bolton in 2013 and then went on to loan spells at Chester, Torquay and most recently last season at Oldham Athletic where he worked with Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson. Conor made 17 appearances across two loan spells for Oldham in League One last season, scoring three goals.
The Striker has also been capped at Republic of Ireland U19 and U21 level. In December 2014 Conor was rewarded for his encouraging performances on loan, signing an extension to his current contract at The Macron Stadium until 2018.
After penning a six-month loan deal at Oakwell and speaking exclusively to barnsleyfc.co.uk Conor said, “Lee Johnson gave me the chance to join Oldham and play some League One football last season so I snapped it up straight away. I did well in my first spell there and then the gaffer called me back just after Christmas for a second spell.
When Barnsley came in looking to take me on loan I couldn’t turn it down with this being such a big club, great set of fans, good players and big aspirations this season, and of course the chance to work with Lee again.
Hopefully I can add some goals, I’m big, like to get in the box, create chances and try to play some good football. I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow. It’s been good meeting the boys today and I’m raring to go for the upcoming season.”
Commenting on the signing to Barnsley Player HD, Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson said, "Conor brings real quality, there's no doubt about that. He's a big lad, six foot two, but he doesn’t particularly play six foot two, he's a real master of the ball. He's got lovely technique off his left foot, nice feel, a strong shot and he can score different types of goals.
He's a talented boy and an honest lad as well. He was excellent for Oldham against Barnsley and he tore the defence to pieces in the Johnston’s Paint Trophy so I'm sure the fans that went to that game will remember how well he played.
It's one I'm excited about and I believe that given the right tools and the right team around him which I think we've got, then his quality can really come out. He plays for the Republic of Ireland Under 21's and he's very close to getting in the full squad so let's make no mistake, this is a good signing for us and this adds real quality to our group."
Make sure you’re all set for Conor Wilkinson’s Oakwell debut on Saturday 15th August with a 2015/16 Season Pass! Get yours online by clicking here or call us on 01226 211 211.
