Another great signing: Welcome Liam O'Niel!

We have made our fourth top class signing of the summer, this time in the form of West Brom young midfielder George O'Niel. He was signed this morning for an undisclosed fee, and his contract is an undisclosed length.



Fact file:

Age: 22
Nationality: English
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Clubs played for: West Brom, Scunthorpe, VPS

Liam O'Niel has been tracked by the club for around two and a half years, with the club hoping to bring him in on loan, but we have now gone one better by permanantly signing the player. Saunders said 'Liam is a young player who has played in West Brom's first team. He's exactly what we want - a midfield player who can also play at the back, if required.' The veratile 22 year old was also happy about the move. He said ' I want to get some experience and develop as a player and I think I’ll be able to do that here. I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited. The gaffer got in touch with West Brom and has shown good interest. He’s been on my case to get down here all the time and that’s what I like. He sees me as part of his plans and that’s what I want. I want to be getting regular football and that’s key for me now. I’m 22 now and this is perfect timing.'

O'Niel was born in Cambridge, and spent most of his youth career at local non league side Histon F.C, who are currently in the Southern Football League Premier Division. He then moved to the West Brom youth system, and signed his first professional contract in may 2012, at the age of 18. In the 2013/14 season, he made three appearances, against Swansea, Stoke and Norwich. In the summer of 2012, before he made an appearance for West Brom, O'Niel was sent out on loan to Finnish side VPS. He made 18 appearances for the club, scoring one goal in his time there. In late November last season he went on loan to League One side Scunthorpe United, then after making a positive impact at the club, his loan spell was extended until January 2015, then extended again until the end of last season. However, he was sent back to West Brom early, due to an injury.

Liam O'Niel offers new options for Saunders in the central midfield positions, and he can also play as a defender. This means that he will be a good CB back up, along with young defender Charlie Raglan. Saunders may also be planning to play him as a RB, after Drew Talbot's below par recent performances. Along with the signings of Lee Novak, Ebanks-Blake and Angel Martinez, Liam O'Niel has added that extra bit of quality to the squad, and also gives us better in depth strength. Last season while at Scunthorpe, O'Niel spent most of the time as a defensive midfielder, however he was also played in a more attacking role, as a No.10 a few times.