O'Connor a goner (17.06.05)

BOTH of Maidenhead United’s main goal threats have now flown the nest, after last year's player of the season Craig O’Connor agreed terms with Conference South rivals Thurrock.
The deal was prematurely announced on the Essex club’s website last week, when O’Connor was still under contract at York Road.
However, the various parties hammered out the details of the move this week, and O’Connor is now off United’s books.
Fellow striker Lawrence Yaku signed for Hampton & Richmond Borough last month, meaning the Magpies are now without a recognised goal-scorer in their ranks.
However, moves are afoot to plug the gap, as manager Dennis Greene finally begins to make some summer signings.
Former Wycombe Wanderers Jason Cousins and Ryan Parsons are on their way to York Road to bolster the back line, while Greene was also hoping to sign a former Football League front man by the end of the week, with another to follow in the near future.
Asked why he had allowed O’Connor to leave, Greene said: “I didn’t want him to go, but he would have been quite expensive for us on our new budget.
“Several decent clubs had come in for him, so I let him go.
“That’s all it was. I’m trying to do the best I can with the budget I have.”
However, there were tactical reasons as well as financial reasons behind the move.
Greene added: “I’m looking to play a different system next season.
“I’ll be playing one up front, so I need a target man who can play with his back to goal, rather than looking to get in over the top.”
Clearly an ambitious player, O’Connor said of the move: “Every season I have stepped up a level, and my aim is to play in the Conference.”
“Thurrock will be one of the favourites to win promotion.
“And given the choice of fighting for promotion and a place in the Conference, or fighting relegation, the decision speaks for itself.”
Also, having recently launched his own business, O’Connor said he needed some financial security in his part-time footballing career to help finance his new company.
Playing for Thurrock does just that, but O’Connor admitted his heart still belonged to United. He added: “I love the club, and if they got the money to improve the budget I’d be back at Maidenhead. I’d just like to thank the supporters for making me welcome from start to finish. Let’s hope I’ll be back here soon.
“And please give me a warm welcome when we play each other this season.”