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{{short description|English-Irish footballer}}
Kevin O'Connor is the owner and site director of the successfull IPTV news site [http://ivroots.com IVRoots.com]. His site is devouted to giving the latest new about Internet Protocal Television IPTV) and all things related to the industry including interviews.
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
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{{Use British English|date=July 2013}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Kevin O'Connor
| image = Kevin O'Connor, on tour in Italy, Oct 2017.png
| caption = O'Connor in 2017
| fullname = Kevin Patrick O'Connor<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 July 2015 |title=The Football League Retained List |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/news/article/2015/the-football-league-retained-and-released-list-2491522.aspx |access-date=16 June 2015 |publisher=The Football League}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|2|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Blackburn]], England
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|order=flip}}<ref name="soccerway">{{soccerway|50409|accessdate=16 March 2020}}</ref>
| position = [[Utility player#Association football|Utility player]]
| currentclub = [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]]<br>(assistant first team coach)
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–1995
| youthclubs1 = [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]
| youthyears2 = 1995–1999
| youthclubs2 = [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]]
| years1 = 1999–2015
| clubs1 = [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]]
| caps1 = 426
| goals1 = 32
| nationalyears1 = 2003
| nationalteam1 = [[Republic of Ireland under-21 national football team|Republic of Ireland U21]]
| nationalcaps1 = 6
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2015–2016
| managerclubs1 = [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy#Development squad|Brentford Development Squad]]
| manageryears2 = 2016–2018
| managerclubs2 = [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy#Relaunch (2016–present)|Brentford B]]
}}
'''Kevin Patrick O'Connor''' (born 24 February 1982) is a retired professional [[association football|footballer]] who made over 500 appearances for [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]]. A [[Utility player#Association football|utility player]] and [[List of one-club men in association football|one-club man]], at the time of his retirement in May 2015 he was Brentford's longest serving player, having signed his first professional contract in 1999. He is fourth on the most Brentford appearances list,<ref name="gamebygame">{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor – Game By Game |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/documents/kevin-oconnor-game-by-game277-1541071.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930134301/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/documents/kevin-oconnor-game-by-game277-1541071.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2015}}</ref> [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the club on over 200 occasions and was inducted into the Brentford [[Brentford F.C. Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 2015.<ref name="Chapman">{{Cite web |title=The Big Interview: Kevin O'Connor |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/documents/kevin-o-connor-interview277-1544109.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930123120/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/documents/kevin-o-connor-interview277-1544109.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2015}}</ref> He represented [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland U21]] at international level and is currently assistant first team coach at Brentford.


== Career ==
Kevin has made tremendous progress since signing professional forms as a seventeen year old. His performances have earned him recognition in the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad and last season he collected the coveted "Most Improved Player of the Season" award.


===1999–2001: Early years ===
{{bio-stub}}
After two years as a schoolboy with [[Southampton F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Southampton]],<ref name="Ellis">{{Cite web |last=Ellis |first=Adam |date=24 September 2015 |title=Good, Bad & Ugly: Brentford legend Kevin O'Connor shares moments from his career |url=https://www.theleaguepaper.com/latest-news/football-league-championship/2256/good-bad-ugly-brentford-legend-kevin-oconnor-shares-moments-from-his-career/ |access-date=6 June 2019 |website=The League Paper |language=en-GB}}</ref> O'Connor joined [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] club [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] as a schoolboy in 1995.<ref name="KOCRoom">{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Room unveiled |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-room-unveiled-robert-rowan-performance-centre |access-date=24 December 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> He began his career as a [[Forward (association football)|forward]] and was awarded a scholarship in 1998.<ref name="Chapman" /> After a run of 23 goals in 30 games for the [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy#Reserve team|reserves]],<ref name="GreenScene">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2010 |title=Spotlight: Kevin O'Connor |url=http://greenscene.me/2010/09/spotlight-kevin-oconnor/ |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=GreenScene}}</ref> O'Connor received his maiden call into the first team squad for a league match against [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] on 12 February 2000 and remained an unused substitute during the 1–1 draw.<ref name="tplSoccerStats" /> O'Connor made his Brentford debut in a 3–2 [[Football League Trophy]] semi-final defeat at [[Exeter City F.C.|Exeter City]] on 15 February 2000, replacing [[Ívar Ingimarsson]] after 85 minutes.<ref name="Soccerbase9900" /> He was awarded his first start in a goalless league draw with [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] on 19 February 2000 and signed a two-year professional contract on the same day.<ref name="Ellis" /><ref name="Soccerbase9900" /> O'Connor made seven appearances during the [[1999–2000 Brentford F.C. season|1999–2000]] season.<ref name="Soccerbase9900">{{Soccerbase season|19213|1999|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>


A succession of injuries meant that O'Connor had to wait until December 2000 for his first appearance of the [[2000–01 Brentford F.C. season|2000–01]] season, starting in a 2–2 league draw with [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]], before being substituted for [[Mark Williams (footballer born 1982)|Mark Williams]] on 62 minutes.<ref name="Soccerbase0001" /> O'Connor's appearance against Wigan was the first of a run in the team and he scored the first senior goal of his career in a 2–1 league win over [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] on 20 February 2001.<ref name="Soccerbase0001" /> He made 12 appearances during the 2000–01 season and scored one goal.<ref name="Soccerbase0001">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2000|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> He found himself utilised in "[[Midfielder#Advanced playmaker|the hole]]" by outgoing manager [[Ray Lewington]].<ref name="11v11">{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/kevin-oconnor-4328/ |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=11v11.com}}</ref>
{{context}}

=== 2001–2004: Breakthrough ===
O'Connor became a regular second-half substitute under new manager [[Steve Coppell]] during the [[2001–02 Brentford F.C. season|2001–02]] season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Player Profile |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/5971/kevin-oconnor?season=2001 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> He appeared in two of Brentford's three playoff games and endured heartbreak in the [[2002 Football League Second Division play-off final|2002 Second Division playoff Final]] as the Bees were denied a place in the [[Football League First Division|First Division]] by 2–0 winners [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] in his first appearance at the [[Millennium Stadium]],<ref name="Soccerbase0102" /> due to his absence from the [[2001 Football League Trophy Final]] squad.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2001 |title=Vale vault Brentford to lift Vans trophy |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1289338.stm |access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref> O'Connor made 32 appearances during the 2001–02 season, scoring one goal.<ref name="Soccerbase0102">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2001|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

O'Connor was an ever-present as a [[right winger]] under new manager [[Wally Downes]] during the [[2002–03 Brentford F.C. season|2002–03]] season and scored his first ever [[Brace (sports)#In sports|brace]] with two [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalties]] in a 3–3 League Cup second round draw with [[AFC Bournemouth]] on 10 September 2002,<ref name="BBB90s">{{Cite book |last=Croxford |first=Mark |title=The Big Brentford Book Of The Nineties |last2=Lane |first2=David |last3=Waterman |first3=Greville |publisher=Legends Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=9781906796723 |location=Sunbury, Middlesex |pages=442–443}}</ref> in addition to converting a third penalty in the resulting [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|shootout]].<ref name="Soccerbase0203" /> Through November 2002 to January 2003, O'Connor went on a run of scoring five goals in 11 games and finished the 2002–03 season having scored 9 goals in 53 appearances.<ref name="Soccerbase0203">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2002|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

After signing a new three-year contract in June 2003,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 June 2003 |title=O'Connor agrees new Bees deal |work=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/2994656.stm |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref> O'Connor appeared consistently during the [[2003–04 Brentford F.C. season|2003–04]] season and kept his place in the team following the sacking of Downes and the appointment of [[Martin Allen]] as manager in March 2004.<ref name="Soccerbase0304">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2003|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New manager named |url=http://world.brentfordfc.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~502315,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212084413/http://world.brentfordfc.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~502315,00.html |archive-date=12 February 2018 |access-date=20 February 2019 |website=brentfordfc.co.uk}}</ref> He scored the equaliser in a 1–1 draw with bitter rivals [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] in the [[West London derby#Brentford vs QPR derby|West London derby]] on 14 February 2004.<ref name="Soccerbase0304" />

=== 2004–2007: Conversion to right back ===
O'Connor began the [[2004–05 Brentford F.C. season|2004–05]] season as a substitute,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Player Profile |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/5971/kevin-o'connor?season=2004 |access-date=6 September 2017 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> but an injury to [[Michael Dobson (footballer)|Michael Dobson]] in a 4–1 defeat to Bristol City (a game in which O'Connor scored) on 30 August saw Martin Allen press O'Connor into service as a [[Defender (association football)|right back]] for much of the season.<ref name="BBB90s" /><ref name="Soccerbase0405" /> O'Connor was awarded the [[Captain (association football)|captaincy]] for the first time for a match against [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool United]] on 19 October.<ref name="Chapman" /> He made 44 appearances during the 2004–05 season and scored two goals as Brentford failed to progress past [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] in the [[2005 Football League One play-off final|2005 playoff semi-finals]].<ref name="Soccerbase0405">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2004|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> O'Connor's performances in his new right back position earned him the "Most Improved Player Of The Year" award.<ref name="Flynn">{{Cite web |date=12 May 2005 |title=Allen: we're the underdogs |url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/596435.print/ |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Watford Observer}}</ref> After the season, he signed a two-year contract extension.<ref name="11v11" />

O'Connor was Martin Allen's first-choice right back for the [[2005–06 Brentford F.C. season|2005–06]] season and became the club's regular penalty taker, scoring from the spot against [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]], Tranmere Rovers and [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]].<ref name="Soccerbase0506" /> O'Connor was again nominated for the club's "Most Improved Player Of The Year" award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allen looks to 'most improved player award' |url=http://www.brentford-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/allen_looks_to_most_improved_player_award_277228/index.shtml |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=BeesMad}}</ref> He finished the 2005–06 season having scored eight goals in 38 appearances, but once again he suffered playoff heartbreak as Brentford failed over overcome [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] in the [[2006 Football League One play-off final|2006 playoff semi-finals]].<ref name="Soccerbase0506">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2005|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

O'Connor was promoted to captain under new manager [[Leroy Rosenior]] during the early months of the [[2006–07 Brentford F.C. season|2006–07]] season.<ref name="BBB90s" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 August 2006 |title=Captain named |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~876194,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806024501/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~876194,00.html |archive-date=6 August 2018 |access-date=7 April 2018 |website=brentfordfc.co.uk}}</ref> He signed a contract extension in September 2006, which would run until the end of the [[2008–09 Brentford F.C. season|2008–09]] season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2006 |title=Leroy reports two signings |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~902500,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806025851/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~902500,00.html |archive-date=6 August 2018 |access-date=7 April 2018 |website=brentfordfc}}</ref> O'Connor made 43 appearances and scored seven goals during the 2006–07 season,<ref name="Soccerbase0607">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2006|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> but his efforts to prevent Brentford suffering relegation with a bottom-place finish in [[Football League One|League One]] were in vain.<ref name="FCHD" />

=== 2007–2009: Central midfield ===
Following the signings of right backs [[Ben Starosta]] and [[Craig Pead]] by new manager [[Terry Butcher]] prior to the [[2007–08 Brentford F.C. season|2007–08]] season, O'Connor played predominantly in [[Midfielder|central midfield]] for his first season in [[Football League Two|League Two]],<ref name="BBB90s" /> though he lost the captaincy to new signing [[John Mackie (footballer, born 1976)|John Mackie]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Mackie |url=http://www.readingfcformerplayers.co.uk/players/166/John_Mackie |access-date=13 May 2016 |website=Reading FC Former Players Association}}</ref> He had a good start to the season, scoring in consecutive games against [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] and [[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] in August 2007.<ref name="Soccerbase0708" /> O'Connor made 41 appearances and scored three goals as Brentford finished in mid-table.<ref name="FCHD">{{Fchd|id=BRENTFOR|name=Brentford F.C.}}</ref><ref name="Soccerbase0708">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2007|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

Under new manager [[Andy Scott (footballer, born 1972)|Andy Scott]], O'Connor was named captain and began the 2008–09 season as a starter,<ref name="HistoryBoys">{{Cite web |title=History Boys: Kevin O'Connor |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/june/history-boys-kevin-oconnor/ |access-date=6 June 2019 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> but he lost his place in the team after being [[Sent off (association football)|sent off]] for the only time in his career, just 14 minutes after coming on for Craig Pead in a 2–1 league win over [[Dagenham & Redbridge F.C.|Dagenham & Redbridge]] on 6 September 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Player Profile |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/5971/kevin-oconnor?season=2008 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> After a period out of favour, an injury to replacement captain [[Adam Newton]] in November 2008 saw O'Connor regain the armband and he went on to form a midfield partnership with [[Marcus Bean]].<ref name="HistoryBoys" /> He made his 300th start for Brentford on 7 February 2009 against [[Chester City F.C.|Chester City]] at [[Griffin Park]].<ref name="HistoryBoys" /> Despite missing the last 9 games of the 2008–09 season with a knee ligament injury, O'Connor made 33 appearances and scored one goal as Brentford were promoted as League Two champions.<ref name="HistoryBoys" /><ref name="Soccerbase0809">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2008|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> He held the winners' trophy aloft with stand-in captain [[Alan Bennett (footballer, born 1981)|Alan Bennett]] after the final game of the season against [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bennett named Cheltenham captain |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14363227 |access-date=28 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="Amos">{{Cite web |title=Million dollar O'Connor basks in League Two prestige |url=http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/sport/4349363.Million_dollar_O_Connor_basks_in_League_Two_prestige/ |access-date=28 November 2015 |website=Croydon Guardian}}</ref>

=== 2009–2011: Captain ===
O'Connor signed a new two-year contract in June 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 June 2009 |title=O'Connor pens new Brentford deal |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/8095632.stm |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref> Back in League One for the [[2009–10 Brentford F.C. season|2009–10]] season, O'Connor appeared in all but three of Brentford's matches, making 49 appearances and scoring five goals.<ref name="Soccerbase0910">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2009|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> He scored a brace of penalties in a 2–1 league victory over Tranmere Rovers on 29 September 2009.<ref name="Soccerbase0910" /> He made his 400th Bees appearance in a 3–2 defeat to [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] on 1 May 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 May 2010 |title=Swindon Town 3–2 Brentford |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8629939.stm |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murtagh |first=Jacob |date=3 May 2010 |title=Brentford boss praises Kevin O'Connor after milestone |url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/other-sport/brentford-boss-praises-kevin-oconnor-5997169 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Get West London}}</ref> After completing 10 years of continuous service as a Brentford player, O'Connor was awarded a [[Testimonial match|testimonial]] on 14 July 2010 against local rivals [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Testimonial Match v Fulham |url=https://www.facebook.com/events/124051260971556/ |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Facebook}}</ref>

O'Connor began the [[2010–11 Brentford F.C. season|2010–11]] season as an ever-present in central midfield and scored his only two goals of the season in a 3–0 away league victory over Tranmere Rovers on 16 October 2010.<ref name="Soccerbase1011" /> In January 2011, he signed a new {{frac|2|1|2}} year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2011 |title=Brentford captain Kevin O'Connor signs new deal |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/9359603.stm |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref> After the appointment of forward [[Nicky Forster]] as interim manager (replacing the sacked Andy Scott) in February 2011, O'Connor found himself in and out of the team and was "extremely disappointed" that he was denied the chance to lead the team out as captain at [[Wembley Stadium]] in the [[2011 Football League Trophy Final]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennetts |first=Julian |date=4 April 2011 |title=O'Connor is backing Forster despite his Wembley snub |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/oconnor-is-backing-forster-despite-his-wembley-snub-6388269.html |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=London Evening Standard}}</ref> despite having started in every game on the way to the final.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Player Profile |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/5971/kevin-oconnor?season=2010 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> O'Connor appeared as an 88th-minute substitute appearance in the game, which Brentford lost 1–0 to [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]].<ref name="FLTDefeat">{{Cite news |date=3 April 2011 |title=Brentford 0–1 Carlisle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9443308.stm |access-date=8 December 2015 |work=BBC}}</ref> O'Connor made 53 appearances during the 2010–11 season.<ref name="Soccerbase1011">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2010|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

=== 2011–2014: Injury hell ===
Under new manager [[Uwe Rösler]], O'Connor began the [[2011–12 Brentford F.C. season|2011–12]] season mostly as a substitute and suffered a serious ankle injury in a 1–0 [[FA Cup]] first round win over [[Basingstoke Town F.C.|Basingstoke Town]] on 12 November.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Player Profile |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/5971/kevin-oconnor?season=2011 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2011 |title=Bees boss fears for injured O'Connor |url=http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/bees-boss-fears-for-injured-oconnor |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=West London Sport}}</ref> He had made 18 appearances and scored two goals before the injury ended his season.<ref name="Soccerbase1112">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2011|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="InjuryUpdate" /> O'Connor returned to the team in time for the start of the [[2012–13 Brentford F.C. season|2012–13]] season and featured regularly as a substitute.<ref name="ESPNFC1213">{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Player Profile |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/5971/kevin-oconnor?season=2012 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> After making 11 appearances, he suffered a serious leg and ankle injury while falling in a tackle in a 1–0 victory over [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] on 6 November 2012 and it was determined that he would be out for six months.<ref name="InjuryUpdate">{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor Injury Update |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-injury-update_56617 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Brentfordfc.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2012 |title=Brentford suffer setback with Kevin O'Connor injury |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20289185 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> O'Connor signed a new one-year contract in March 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kevin signs new contract |language=en-gb |work=brentfordfc.com |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-signs-new-contract_58821 |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref> He returned to the first team on 16 April 2013,<ref name="Soccerbase1213" /> as a substitute for [[Lee Hodson]] after 66 minutes of a pulsating 2–2 draw with [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], a game which saw [[Tony Craig]] and [[Clayton Donaldson]] sent off for Brentford.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodcock |first=Ian |date=16 April 2013 |title=Sheffield Utd 2–2 Brentford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22075486 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Craig's three match suspension began on Brentford's penultimate game of the season against Hartlepool United.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Craig red card upheld |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/craig-red-card-upheld_59158 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=www.brentfordfc.com}}</ref> Still not fully fit, O'Connor filled in at centre back alongside [[Harlee Dean]] in the 1–1 draw, having never played the position before.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2013 |title=Hartlepool 1–1 Brentford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22133554 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>

==== Doncaster Rovers penalty incident ====
Brentford's final game of the 2012–13 season was against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] at Griffin Park, with the Bees needing to win to secure automatic promotion to the [[Football League Championship|Championship]].<ref name="BBC" /> With the score at 0–0, Brentford were awarded a penalty in added time.<ref name="doncaster-independent">{{Cite news |last=Calvin |first=Michael |date=27 April 2013 |title=Brentford 0 Doncaster Rovers 1 match report: Sting in Rovers' tail stuns Bees |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/brentford-0-doncaster-rovers-1-match-report-sting-rovers-tail-stuns-bees-8591323.html |access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref> Before the game, the team was made aware that O'Connor was Uwe Rösler's designated penalty taker, but substitute striker [[Marcello Trotta]] grabbed the ball from O'Connor, with the intent to take the penalty.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murtagh |first=Jacob |date=4 May 2013 |title=Trotta: I'll make up for penalty miss |work=getwestlondon |url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/other-sport/trotta-ill-make-up-penalty-5967002 |access-date=1 April 2017}}</ref> Trotta crashed the spot kick against the bar and Doncaster scored a breakaway goal through [[James Coppinger]] to win 1–0 and consign Brentford to the [[2013 Football League play-offs|playoffs]].<ref name="doncaster-independent" /><ref name="BBC">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2013 |title=Brentford 0–1 Doncaster |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22228814 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> O'Connor admitted after the game that he "tried to follow orders but Trotts has gone into [[Flow (psychology)|the zone]], got the ball and he was extremely confident. What can you say? If he scores it, it's perfect but unfortunately he's missed it and it's cost us".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brentford manager Uwe Rosler refuses to blame Marcello Trotta after penalty miss against Doncaster Rovers |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-one/10023910/Brentford-manager-Uwe-Rosler-refuses-to-blame-Marcello-Trotta-after-penalty-miss-against-Doncaster-Rovers.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Telegraph}}</ref> O'Connor later iterated that if Brentford were awarded a penalty during the playoffs, he would take it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2013 |title=Brentford skipper: I won't let Trotta take another penalty |url=http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brentford-skipper-i-wont-let-trotta-take-another-penalty-8594334.html |access-date=9 October 2020 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2013 playoffs and reaching 500 appearances ====
[[File:Kevin O'Connor 2014.jpg|thumb|upright|O'Connor in April 2014.]]
Brentford met Swindon Town in the semi-finals of the 2013 playoffs and trailing 1–0 in the first leg, the Bees were awarded an injury time penalty, which O'Connor converted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stevens |first=Rob |date=6 May 2013 |title=B'ford 3–3 S'don (Agg 4–4, Pens 5–4) |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22334380 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref> It proved to be his last appearance of the season after Tony Craig had served his suspension and returned to the starting lineup.<ref name="ESPNFC1213" /> O'Connor was an unused substitute during the [[2013 Football League One play-off final|2013 League One playoff Final]], which was won 2–1 by [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]].<ref name="ESPNFC1213" /> He made 16 appearances during the 2012–13 season.<ref name="Soccerbase1213">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2012|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

O'Connor returned fully fit for the [[2013–14 Brentford F.C. season|2013–14]] season and once again deputised at centre back for Tony Craig in the 1–1 opening day draw with [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 August 2013 |title=Port Vale 1–1 Brentford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23474767 |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> A groin injury suffered in October 2013 saw O'Connor miss two months of the season.<ref name="Long">{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Dan |title=On the Rise: Kevin O’Connor |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/interviews-kevin-oconnor-brentford-league-one-promotion-2013-14 |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> After returning to fitness, made his first appearance in over four months with a start in a 2–0 win over Port Vale on 11 January 2014.<ref name="Long" /> O'Connor then deputised at centre back in three successive matches, alongside Tony Craig.<ref name="Long" /> He signed a new one-year contract on 20 March 2014, which would see him take on a player-[[Coach (association football)|coach]] role.<ref name="Contract">{{Cite web |date=20 March 2014 |title=Kevin O'Connor signs new contract |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-signs-new-contract_61901 |access-date=20 March 2014 |website=Brentford FC}}</ref> Following automatic promotion to the Championship with three matches to spare,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moment in Time: Preston North End |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/moment-in-time-preston-north-end_218071 |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> Manager [[Mark Warburton]] played O'Connor appeared in each of the remaining matches, in order to bring him up to 500 Brentford appearances.<ref name="Long" /> After the final game against [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage]] concluded, O'Connor jointly lifted the League One runners-up trophy with stand-in captain Tony Craig.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2014 |title='The Stuff Of Dreams' For Tony Craig |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/the-stuff-of-dreams-for-tony-craig_62350 |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> He finished the 2013–14 season with 12 appearances and won a Special Achievement Award for reaching 500 appearances.<ref name="Soccerbase1314">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2013|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="Ball">{{Cite web |date=5 May 2014 |title=Awards shared at Brentford FC Player of the Year Ball |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/player-of-the-year-ball-awards-2014_62344 |access-date=29 July 2014 |publisher=Brentfordfc.com}}</ref>

=== 2014–2015: Player-coach and retirement ===
O'Connor made his only appearance of the 2014–15 season in a League Cup first round match versus Dagenham & Redbridge on 12 August 2014.<ref name="Soccerbase1415">{{Soccerbase season|19213|2014|access-date=5 September 2014}}</ref> He started the match, which finished 6–6 after [[Extra time (association football)|extra time]] and had to be settled with a penalty shootout.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dagenham & Redbridge 6–6 Brentford (2–4 pens) |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28652337 |access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> With his last kick for the club, O'Connor scored the winning penalty.<ref name="KOCRoom" /> Mark Warburton hinted in December 2014 that O'Connor had come to the end of his playing days, saying "he has had a great career, but he's not stupid and knows the focus has got to be on the next stage of his career now".<ref name="Street">{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Tim |date=8 December 2014 |title=Brentford favourite gains his UEFA B Licence |url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brentford-favourite-gains-uefa-b-8247156 |access-date=14 June 2015 |website=getwestlondon}}</ref> On 3 May 2015, O'Connor was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame, the first person to be inducted while still under contract to the club.<ref name="halloffame">{{Cite web |last=Wickham |first=Chris |title=Kevin O'Connor and Marcus Gayle join others in being added to Brentford FC Hall of Fame |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/new-additions-to-brentford-fc-hall-of-fame_70938 |access-date=14 June 2015 |website=brentfordfc.com}}</ref> Following Brentford's defeat to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] in the [[2015 Football League play-offs#Semi-finals|playoff semi-finals]], he announced his retirement from football.<ref name="Retires">{{Cite web |last=Wickham |first=Chris |title=Brentford FC captain Kevin O'Connor retires to take up coaching role with Development Squad |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-retires-to-take-up-coaching-role_71129 |access-date=25 May 2015 |website=www.brentfordfc.com}}</ref>

O'Connor made 501 appearances and scored 44 goals in 16 seasons at Griffin Park.<ref name="gamebygame" /> He finished his career in fourth position on Brentford's all-time record appearances list and until October 2022,<ref name="Retires" /> he was the club record holder for penalties scored in all competitions,<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2022 |title=Brentford's Ivan Toney presses England claim with double to see off Brighton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/14/brentford-brighton-premier-league-match-report |access-date=14 October 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> with 19.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brentford FC penalty records |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/brentford-fc-penalty-records-642763 |access-date=4 September 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> For his service to Brentford, he was presented with the Sir [[Tom Finney]] Award at the [[Football League Awards#2017 Awards|2017 EFL Awards]].<ref name="Finney">{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor to be honoured with the Sir Tom Finney award at 2017 EFL Awards |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-to-be-honoured-with-the-sir-tom-finney-award-at-2017-efl-awards_159806 |access-date=8 April 2017}}</ref> In December 2022, in recognition of more than a quarter of a century of service to Brentford, a room at the club's new Robert Rowan Performance Centre was named in O'Connor's honour.<ref name="KOCRoom" />

== International career ==
Owing to his Irish heritage, O'Connor's form for Brentford during the 2002–03 season saw him called up by [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland U21]] manager [[Don Givens]] for his team's [[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification Group 10|2004 European U21 Championship qualifying]] campaign.<ref name="tplSoccerStats">{{Cite web |title=Statistics: Under 21 |url=http://test.soccerscene.ie/ss_gen/player.php?sort=ins&id=301&level=ss21 |access-date=11 April 2016 |website=Soccer Scene}}</ref> He made his debut in a 1–1 away draw with [[Georgia national under-21 football team|Georgia]] on 28 March 2003, coming on as a substitute for [[John Thompson (Irish footballer)|John Thompson]] after 81 minutes and setting up the equalising goal with a pass to [[Noel Hunt]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Under-21 2004 – History – Georgia-Republic of Ireland |url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2004/matches/round=1585/match=69070/index.html |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Uefa.com}}</ref> O'Connor made his first start two days later in a 1–0 defeat to [[Albania national under-21 football team|Albania]], lasting 76 minutes before being taken off for Hunt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Under-21 2004 – History – Albania-Republic of Ireland |url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2004/matches/round=1585/match=69072/index.html |access-date=22 April 2014 |publisher=Uefa.com}}</ref> He won four further caps in 2003, against Georgia, [[Russia national under-21 football team|Russia]], [[Switzerland national under-21 football team|Switzerland]] and a friendly versus [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]].<ref name="tplSoccerStats" />

== Coaching career ==

=== Early years ===
O'Connor began taking his coaching badges in 2009.<ref name="Matchday" /> He studied for his [[The Football Association|FA]] Level 3 coaching badge in May 2014.<ref name="Chapman" /> He enrolled on the [[UEFA B Licence]] course in the early months of the 2014–15 season (studying alongside former teammate Alan Bennett) and gained the qualification in December 2014.<ref name="Street" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Tim |date=14 October 2014 |title=Brentford coach taps into Chelsea boss Mourinho's mind |url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brentford-coach-taps-chelsea-boss-7930472 |access-date=14 June 2015 |website=getwestlondon}}</ref> From the beginning of the 2014–15 season, O'Connor assumed coaching responsibilities at Brentford and began working with the first team, [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy#Development squad|Development Squad]] and [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy#Academy|academy]] players and staff.<ref name="Contract" /> As of December 2015, he was working on his [[UEFA A Licence]] and by June 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2015 |title=GetWestLondon spoke with Brentford legend Kevin O'Connor about his new job |url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-oconnor-discusses-shift-being-10557872 |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=getwestlondon}}</ref> he had received his [[UEFA Pro Licence]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor celebrates UEFA Pro qualification |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/june/koc-graduation/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629092353/https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/june/koc-graduation/ |archive-date=29 June 2022 |access-date=23 June 2019 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== Brentford B and Development Squad coach (2015–2018) ===
On 25 May 2015, shortly after his retirement as a player, O'Connor was announced as Brentford's Development Squad assistant coach, working under head coach [[Lee Carsley]].<ref name="Retires" /> On 29 September 2015, O'Connor took over from Carsley and remained Head Coach until 4 January 2016,<ref name="BFC">{{Cite web |title=Hall of Fame inductee Kevin O'Connor takes role as Brentford FC Development Squad Head Coach |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-takes-role-as-development-squad-head-coach_71922 |access-date=29 September 2015 |website=www.brentfordfc.com}}</ref> when he reverted to his previous position upon the appointment of [[Flemming Pedersen (football manager)|Flemming Pedersen]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flemming Pedersen appointed Development Squad Head Coach |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/flemming-pedersen-appointed-development-squad-head-coach_63755 |access-date=4 January 2016 |website=www.brentfordfc.com}}</ref> On 17 November 2016, O'Connor took over the permanent role of [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy#Relaunch (2016–present)|Brentford B]] head coach from Pedersen and stayed in the position until mid-December 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Flemming Pedersen leaves role as Brentford B Head Coach, Kevin O'Connor replaces him |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/flemming-pedersen-leaves-role-as-b-team-head-coach_64904 |access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref>

=== Brentford assistant first team coach (2018–present) ===
On 13 December 2018, O'Connor was named as assistant first team coach of the Brentford first team, working under head coach [[Thomas Frank (football manager)|Thomas Frank]] and assistant head coach Brian Riemer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin O'Connor takes on role as Assistant First-Team Coach |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/kevin-oconnor-takes-on-role-as-assistant-first-team-coach_346032 |access-date=13 December 2018 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> His role was described as that of "the bridge between the players and the coaching staff",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Romaine Sawyers: "I'm going to keep being me" |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/february/romaine-sawyers-im-going-to-keep-being-me/ |access-date=20 February 2019 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> with a focus on coaching the offensive side of the game.<ref name="Marshall">{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Sam |title=The Long Read: Kevin O'Connor |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2022/february/the-long-read-king-kev/ |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> By 2022, his matchday role had progressed to feeding assistant head coach Brian Riemer with information from a position up in the [[Stadium#Spectator areas and seating|stand]], behind the [[technical area]].<ref name="Marshall" />

== Personal life ==
O'Connor was born to Irish parents in [[Blackburn]] – his father Pat is from [[County Kerry]] and his mother Sheila was from [[County Mayo]] and the family moved back to [[South London]] four days after O'Connor was born.<ref name="GreenScene" /><ref name="MacInnes">{{Cite web |last=MacInnes |first=Keith |title=Brentford Football Club |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/team/view/featured_player/0,,10421~99872,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020811172712/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/team/view/featured_player/0,,10421~99872,00.html |archive-date=11 August 2002 |access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> He has two brothers (Stephen and Damian) and his sister Kerry was also footballer on the books at [[Chelsea L.F.C.|Chelsea]] and [[Barnet L.F.C.|Barnet]] during the 2000s.<ref name="Matchday">{{Cite book |title=BFC: Brentford FC Official Matchday Magazine versus Bury |date=28 February 2009 |publisher=shootthemoon |location=London |page=36}}</ref> Sheila died in July 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2007 |title=Terry looks ahead |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~1078233,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806024457/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~1078233,00.html |archive-date=6 August 2018 |access-date=5 August 2018 |website=brentfordfc.co.uk}}</ref> O'Connor attended [[The Douay Martyrs School]] in [[Ickenham]].<ref name="MacInnes" /> He married Penny in [[Las Vegas]] in June 2005 and as of February 2009 was living in [[Langley, Berkshire|Langley]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wickham |first=Chris |title=Friends, family and team mates past a present offer words about Club Captain Kevin O'Connor after he reached 500 Brentford games |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/a-few-words-about-kevin-oconnor........._62390 |access-date=8 April 2017 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Career statistics ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
! rowspan="2" |Club
! rowspan="2" |Season !! colspan="3" |League
! colspan="2" |FA Cup
! colspan="2" |League Cup
! colspan="2" |FL Trophy
! colspan="2" |Play-offs
! colspan="2" |Total
! colspan="2" |Discipline
|-
!Division
! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! [[File:Yellow card.svg|13px|alt=A yellow card]] !! [[File:Red card.svg|13px|alt=A red card]]
|-
| rowspan="16" |[[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]]
|[[1999–2000 Brentford F.C. season|1999–2000]]<ref name="Soccerbase9900" />||[[Football League Second Division|Second Division]]
| 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 7 !! 0
| 0 || 0
|-
| [[2000–01 Brentford F.C. season|2000–01]]<ref name="Soccerbase0001" />
|Second Division
| 11 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 12 !! 1
| 4 || 0
|-
| [[2001–02 Brentford F.C. season|2001–02]]<ref name="Soccerbase0102" />
|Second Division
| 25 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 0
! 32 !! 1
| 1 || 0
|-
| [[2002–03 Brentford F.C. season|2002–03]]<ref name="Soccerbase0203" />
|Second Division
| 45 || 5 || 4 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1 || colspan="2" |—
! 53 !! 9
| 2 || 0
|-
| [[2003–04 Brentford F.C. season|2003–04]]<ref name="Soccerbase0304" />
|Second Division
| 43 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 48 !! 2
| 5 || 0
|-
| [[2004–05 Brentford F.C. season|2004–05]]<ref name="Soccerbase0405" />
|[[Football League One|League One]]
| 37 || 2 || 5 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0
! 44 !! 2
| 3 || 0
|-
| [[2005–06 Brentford F.C. season|2005–06]]<ref name="Soccerbase0506" />
|League One
| 30 || 7 || 5 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0
! 38 !! 8
| 4 || 0
|-
| [[2006–07 Brentford F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref name="Soccerbase0607" />
|League One
| 39 || 6 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 43 !! 7
| 2 || 0
|-
| [[2007–08 Brentford F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name="Soccerbase0708" /> ||[[Football League Two|League Two]]
| 37 || 3 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 41 !! 3
| 3 || 0
|-
| [[2008–09 Brentford F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name="Soccerbase0809" />
|League Two
| 28 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 1 || colspan="2" |—
! 33 !! 1
| 3 || 1
|-
| [[2009–10 Brentford F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref name="Soccerbase0910" /> ||League One
| 43 || 4 || 4 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 49 !! 5
| 5 || 0
|-
| [[2010–11 Brentford F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref name="Soccerbase1011" />
|League One
| 41 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 6 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 53 !! 2
| 2 || 0
|-
| [[2011–12 Brentford F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref name="Soccerbase1112" />
|League One
| 14 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 1 || colspan="2" |—
! 18 !! 2
| 1 || 0
|-
| [[2012–13 Brentford F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name="Soccerbase1213" />
|League One
| 12 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 1
! 16 !! 1
| 3 || 0
|-
| [[2013–14 Brentford F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name="Soccerbase1314" />
|League One
| 9 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 0 || colspan="2" |—
! 12 !! 0
| 1 || 0
|-
| [[2014–15 Brentford F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name="Soccerbase1415" /> |||[[Championship]]
| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || colspan="2" |— || 0 || 0
! 1 !! 0
| 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="3" |Total
! 420 !! 32 !! 31 !! 4 !! 20 !! 4 !! 23 !! 2 !! 6 !! 1 !! 501 !! 44 !! 39 !! 1
|}

== Honours ==
'''Brentford'''
*[[Football League One]] second-place promotion: [[2013-14 Football League One|2013–14]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brentford Club Captain Kevin O'Connor makes appearance number 500 against Stevenage at Griffin Park |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2014/may/kevin-oconnor-500-not-out/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016203332/https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2014/may/kevin-oconnor-500-not-out/ |archive-date=16 October 2018 |access-date=28 November 2015 |website=www.brentfordfc.com}}</ref>
*[[Football League Two]]: [[2008-09 Football League Two|2008–09]]<ref name="HistoryBoys" />
*[[Football League Trophy]] runner-up: [[2010–11 Football League Trophy|2010–11]]<ref name="FLTDefeat" />

'''Individual'''
* [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] Most Improved Player of the Year: [[2004–05 Football League One|2004–05]]<ref name="Flynn" />
* Brentford Special Achievement Award: 2013–14<ref name="Ball" />
* [[Brentford F.C. Hall of Fame|Brentford Hall of Fame]]<ref name="halloffame" />
* [[Football League Awards#2017 Awards|EFL Sir Tom Finney Award]]<ref name="Finney" />

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Soccerbase}}
*[https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/teams/profile/kevin-oconnor Kevin O'Connor] at brentfordfc.com
*[http://www.fai.ie/ireland/player/69807 Kevin O'Connor] at fai.ie

{{Brentford F.C. Hall of Fame}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Oconnor, Kevin}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Blackburn]]
<!--[[Category:Citizens of Ireland through descent]] may apply to O'Connor if either of this parents is British-->
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Men's association football utility players]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:English people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers]]
[[Category:Brentford F.C. players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Brentford F.C. non-playing staff]]

Latest revision as of 11:40, 18 April 2024

Kevin O'Connor
O'Connor in 2017
Personal information
Full name Kevin Patrick O'Connor[1]
Date of birth (1982-02-24) 24 February 1982 (age 42)
Place of birth Blackburn, England
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Position(s) Utility player
Team information
Current team
 Brentford
(assistant first team coach)
Youth career
0000–1995 Southampton
1995–1999 Brentford
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2015 Brentford 426 (32)
International career
2003 Republic of Ireland U21 6 (0)
Managerial career
2015–2016 Brentford Development Squad
2016–2018 Brentford B
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Kevin Patrick O'Connor (born 24 February 1982) is a retired professional footballer who made over 500 appearances for Brentford. A utility player and one-club man, at the time of his retirement in May 2015 he was Brentford's longest serving player, having signed his first professional contract in 1999. He is fourth on the most Brentford appearances list,[3] captained the club on over 200 occasions and was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in 2015.[4] He represented Republic of Ireland U21 at international level and is currently assistant first team coach at Brentford.

Career[edit]

1999–2001: Early years[edit]

After two years as a schoolboy with Southampton,[5] O'Connor joined Second Division club Brentford as a schoolboy in 1995.[6] He began his career as a forward and was awarded a scholarship in 1998.[4] After a run of 23 goals in 30 games for the reserves,[7] O'Connor received his maiden call into the first team squad for a league match against Cardiff City on 12 February 2000 and remained an unused substitute during the 1–1 draw.[8] O'Connor made his Brentford debut in a 3–2 Football League Trophy semi-final defeat at Exeter City on 15 February 2000, replacing Ívar Ingimarsson after 85 minutes.[9] He was awarded his first start in a goalless league draw with Wycombe Wanderers on 19 February 2000 and signed a two-year professional contract on the same day.[5][9] O'Connor made seven appearances during the 1999–2000 season.[9]

A succession of injuries meant that O'Connor had to wait until December 2000 for his first appearance of the 2000–01 season, starting in a 2–2 league draw with Wigan Athletic, before being substituted for Mark Williams on 62 minutes.[10] O'Connor's appearance against Wigan was the first of a run in the team and he scored the first senior goal of his career in a 2–1 league win over Bristol City on 20 February 2001.[10] He made 12 appearances during the 2000–01 season and scored one goal.[10] He found himself utilised in "the hole" by outgoing manager Ray Lewington.[11]

2001–2004: Breakthrough[edit]

O'Connor became a regular second-half substitute under new manager Steve Coppell during the 2001–02 season.[12] He appeared in two of Brentford's three playoff games and endured heartbreak in the 2002 Second Division playoff Final as the Bees were denied a place in the First Division by 2–0 winners Stoke City in his first appearance at the Millennium Stadium,[13] due to his absence from the 2001 Football League Trophy Final squad.[14] O'Connor made 32 appearances during the 2001–02 season, scoring one goal.[13]

O'Connor was an ever-present as a right winger under new manager Wally Downes during the 2002–03 season and scored his first ever brace with two penalties in a 3–3 League Cup second round draw with AFC Bournemouth on 10 September 2002,[15] in addition to converting a third penalty in the resulting shootout.[16] Through November 2002 to January 2003, O'Connor went on a run of scoring five goals in 11 games and finished the 2002–03 season having scored 9 goals in 53 appearances.[16]

After signing a new three-year contract in June 2003,[17] O'Connor appeared consistently during the 2003–04 season and kept his place in the team following the sacking of Downes and the appointment of Martin Allen as manager in March 2004.[18][19] He scored the equaliser in a 1–1 draw with bitter rivals Queens Park Rangers in the West London derby on 14 February 2004.[18]

2004–2007: Conversion to right back[edit]

O'Connor began the 2004–05 season as a substitute,[20] but an injury to Michael Dobson in a 4–1 defeat to Bristol City (a game in which O'Connor scored) on 30 August saw Martin Allen press O'Connor into service as a right back for much of the season.[15][21] O'Connor was awarded the captaincy for the first time for a match against Hartlepool United on 19 October.[4] He made 44 appearances during the 2004–05 season and scored two goals as Brentford failed to progress past Sheffield Wednesday in the 2005 playoff semi-finals.[21] O'Connor's performances in his new right back position earned him the "Most Improved Player Of The Year" award.[22] After the season, he signed a two-year contract extension.[11]

O'Connor was Martin Allen's first-choice right back for the 2005–06 season and became the club's regular penalty taker, scoring from the spot against Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers and Walsall.[23] O'Connor was again nominated for the club's "Most Improved Player Of The Year" award.[24] He finished the 2005–06 season having scored eight goals in 38 appearances, but once again he suffered playoff heartbreak as Brentford failed over overcome Swansea City in the 2006 playoff semi-finals.[23]

O'Connor was promoted to captain under new manager Leroy Rosenior during the early months of the 2006–07 season.[15][25] He signed a contract extension in September 2006, which would run until the end of the 2008–09 season.[26] O'Connor made 43 appearances and scored seven goals during the 2006–07 season,[27] but his efforts to prevent Brentford suffering relegation with a bottom-place finish in League One were in vain.[28]

2007–2009: Central midfield[edit]

Following the signings of right backs Ben Starosta and Craig Pead by new manager Terry Butcher prior to the 2007–08 season, O'Connor played predominantly in central midfield for his first season in League Two,[15] though he lost the captaincy to new signing John Mackie.[29] He had a good start to the season, scoring in consecutive games against Notts County and Barnet in August 2007.[30] O'Connor made 41 appearances and scored three goals as Brentford finished in mid-table.[28][30]

Under new manager Andy Scott, O'Connor was named captain and began the 2008–09 season as a starter,[31] but he lost his place in the team after being sent off for the only time in his career, just 14 minutes after coming on for Craig Pead in a 2–1 league win over Dagenham & Redbridge on 6 September 2008.[32] After a period out of favour, an injury to replacement captain Adam Newton in November 2008 saw O'Connor regain the armband and he went on to form a midfield partnership with Marcus Bean.[31] He made his 300th start for Brentford on 7 February 2009 against Chester City at Griffin Park.[31] Despite missing the last 9 games of the 2008–09 season with a knee ligament injury, O'Connor made 33 appearances and scored one goal as Brentford were promoted as League Two champions.[31][33] He held the winners' trophy aloft with stand-in captain Alan Bennett after the final game of the season against Luton Town.[34][35]

2009–2011: Captain[edit]

O'Connor signed a new two-year contract in June 2009.[36] Back in League One for the 2009–10 season, O'Connor appeared in all but three of Brentford's matches, making 49 appearances and scoring five goals.[37] He scored a brace of penalties in a 2–1 league victory over Tranmere Rovers on 29 September 2009.[37] He made his 400th Bees appearance in a 3–2 defeat to Swindon Town on 1 May 2010.[38][39] After completing 10 years of continuous service as a Brentford player, O'Connor was awarded a testimonial on 14 July 2010 against local rivals Fulham.[40]

O'Connor began the 2010–11 season as an ever-present in central midfield and scored his only two goals of the season in a 3–0 away league victory over Tranmere Rovers on 16 October 2010.[41] In January 2011, he signed a new 2+1⁄2 year contract.[42] After the appointment of forward Nicky Forster as interim manager (replacing the sacked Andy Scott) in February 2011, O'Connor found himself in and out of the team and was "extremely disappointed" that he was denied the chance to lead the team out as captain at Wembley Stadium in the 2011 Football League Trophy Final,[43] despite having started in every game on the way to the final.[44] O'Connor appeared as an 88th-minute substitute appearance in the game, which Brentford lost 1–0 to Carlisle United.[45] O'Connor made 53 appearances during the 2010–11 season.[41]

2011–2014: Injury hell[edit]

Under new manager Uwe Rösler, O'Connor began the 2011–12 season mostly as a substitute and suffered a serious ankle injury in a 1–0 FA Cup first round win over Basingstoke Town on 12 November.[46][47] He had made 18 appearances and scored two goals before the injury ended his season.[48][49] O'Connor returned to the team in time for the start of the 2012–13 season and featured regularly as a substitute.[50] After making 11 appearances, he suffered a serious leg and ankle injury while falling in a tackle in a 1–0 victory over Portsmouth on 6 November 2012 and it was determined that he would be out for six months.[49][51] O'Connor signed a new one-year contract in March 2013.[52] He returned to the first team on 16 April 2013,[53] as a substitute for Lee Hodson after 66 minutes of a pulsating 2–2 draw with Sheffield United, a game which saw Tony Craig and Clayton Donaldson sent off for Brentford.[54] Craig's three match suspension began on Brentford's penultimate game of the season against Hartlepool United.[55] Still not fully fit, O'Connor filled in at centre back alongside Harlee Dean in the 1–1 draw, having never played the position before.[56]

Doncaster Rovers penalty incident[edit]

Brentford's final game of the 2012–13 season was against Doncaster Rovers at Griffin Park, with the Bees needing to win to secure automatic promotion to the Championship.[57] With the score at 0–0, Brentford were awarded a penalty in added time.[58] Before the game, the team was made aware that O'Connor was Uwe Rösler's designated penalty taker, but substitute striker Marcello Trotta grabbed the ball from O'Connor, with the intent to take the penalty.[59] Trotta crashed the spot kick against the bar and Doncaster scored a breakaway goal through James Coppinger to win 1–0 and consign Brentford to the playoffs.[58][57] O'Connor admitted after the game that he "tried to follow orders but Trotts has gone into the zone, got the ball and he was extremely confident. What can you say? If he scores it, it's perfect but unfortunately he's missed it and it's cost us".[60] O'Connor later iterated that if Brentford were awarded a penalty during the playoffs, he would take it.[61]

2013 playoffs and reaching 500 appearances[edit]

O'Connor in April 2014.

Brentford met Swindon Town in the semi-finals of the 2013 playoffs and trailing 1–0 in the first leg, the Bees were awarded an injury time penalty, which O'Connor converted.[62] It proved to be his last appearance of the season after Tony Craig had served his suspension and returned to the starting lineup.[50] O'Connor was an unused substitute during the 2013 League One playoff Final, which was won 2–1 by Yeovil Town.[50] He made 16 appearances during the 2012–13 season.[53]

O'Connor returned fully fit for the 2013–14 season and once again deputised at centre back for Tony Craig in the 1–1 opening day draw with Port Vale.[63] A groin injury suffered in October 2013 saw O'Connor miss two months of the season.[64] After returning to fitness, made his first appearance in over four months with a start in a 2–0 win over Port Vale on 11 January 2014.[64] O'Connor then deputised at centre back in three successive matches, alongside Tony Craig.[64] He signed a new one-year contract on 20 March 2014, which would see him take on a player-coach role.[65] Following automatic promotion to the Championship with three matches to spare,[66] Manager Mark Warburton played O'Connor appeared in each of the remaining matches, in order to bring him up to 500 Brentford appearances.[64] After the final game against Stevenage concluded, O'Connor jointly lifted the League One runners-up trophy with stand-in captain Tony Craig.[67] He finished the 2013–14 season with 12 appearances and won a Special Achievement Award for reaching 500 appearances.[68][69]

2014–2015: Player-coach and retirement[edit]

O'Connor made his only appearance of the 2014–15 season in a League Cup first round match versus Dagenham & Redbridge on 12 August 2014.[70] He started the match, which finished 6–6 after extra time and had to be settled with a penalty shootout.[71] With his last kick for the club, O'Connor scored the winning penalty.[6] Mark Warburton hinted in December 2014 that O'Connor had come to the end of his playing days, saying "he has had a great career, but he's not stupid and knows the focus has got to be on the next stage of his career now".[72] On 3 May 2015, O'Connor was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame, the first person to be inducted while still under contract to the club.[73] Following Brentford's defeat to Middlesbrough in the playoff semi-finals, he announced his retirement from football.[74]

O'Connor made 501 appearances and scored 44 goals in 16 seasons at Griffin Park.[3] He finished his career in fourth position on Brentford's all-time record appearances list and until October 2022,[74] he was the club record holder for penalties scored in all competitions,[75] with 19.[76] For his service to Brentford, he was presented with the Sir Tom Finney Award at the 2017 EFL Awards.[77] In December 2022, in recognition of more than a quarter of a century of service to Brentford, a room at the club's new Robert Rowan Performance Centre was named in O'Connor's honour.[6]

International career[edit]

Owing to his Irish heritage, O'Connor's form for Brentford during the 2002–03 season saw him called up by Republic of Ireland U21 manager Don Givens for his team's 2004 European U21 Championship qualifying campaign.[8] He made his debut in a 1–1 away draw with Georgia on 28 March 2003, coming on as a substitute for John Thompson after 81 minutes and setting up the equalising goal with a pass to Noel Hunt.[78] O'Connor made his first start two days later in a 1–0 defeat to Albania, lasting 76 minutes before being taken off for Hunt.[79] He won four further caps in 2003, against Georgia, Russia, Switzerland and a friendly versus Poland.[8]

Coaching career[edit]

Early years[edit]

O'Connor began taking his coaching badges in 2009.[80] He studied for his FA Level 3 coaching badge in May 2014.[4] He enrolled on the UEFA B Licence course in the early months of the 2014–15 season (studying alongside former teammate Alan Bennett) and gained the qualification in December 2014.[72][81] From the beginning of the 2014–15 season, O'Connor assumed coaching responsibilities at Brentford and began working with the first team, Development Squad and academy players and staff.[65] As of December 2015, he was working on his UEFA A Licence and by June 2019,[82] he had received his UEFA Pro Licence.[83]

Brentford B and Development Squad coach (2015–2018)[edit]

On 25 May 2015, shortly after his retirement as a player, O'Connor was announced as Brentford's Development Squad assistant coach, working under head coach Lee Carsley.[74] On 29 September 2015, O'Connor took over from Carsley and remained Head Coach until 4 January 2016,[84] when he reverted to his previous position upon the appointment of Flemming Pedersen.[85] On 17 November 2016, O'Connor took over the permanent role of Brentford B head coach from Pedersen and stayed in the position until mid-December 2018.[86]

Brentford assistant first team coach (2018–present)[edit]

On 13 December 2018, O'Connor was named as assistant first team coach of the Brentford first team, working under head coach Thomas Frank and assistant head coach Brian Riemer.[87] His role was described as that of "the bridge between the players and the coaching staff",[88] with a focus on coaching the offensive side of the game.[89] By 2022, his matchday role had progressed to feeding assistant head coach Brian Riemer with information from a position up in the stand, behind the technical area.[89]

Personal life[edit]

O'Connor was born to Irish parents in Blackburn – his father Pat is from County Kerry and his mother Sheila was from County Mayo and the family moved back to South London four days after O'Connor was born.[7][90] He has two brothers (Stephen and Damian) and his sister Kerry was also footballer on the books at Chelsea and Barnet during the 2000s.[80] Sheila died in July 2007.[91] O'Connor attended The Douay Martyrs School in Ickenham.[90] He married Penny in Las Vegas in June 2005 and as of February 2009 was living in Langley.[92]

Career statistics[edit]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup FL Trophy Play-offs Total Discipline
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals A yellow card A red card
Brentford 1999–2000[9] Second Division 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 7 0 0 0
2000–01[10] Second Division 11 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 12 1 4 0
2001–02[13] Second Division 25 0 2 0 2 1 1 0 2 0 32 1 1 0
2002–03[16] Second Division 45 5 4 1 2 2 2 1 — 53 9 2 0
2003–04[18] Second Division 43 1 2 1 1 0 2 0 — 48 2 5 0
2004–05[21] League One 37 2 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 44 2 3 0
2005–06[23] League One 30 7 5 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 38 8 4 0
2006–07[27] League One 39 6 1 0 1 1 2 0 — 43 7 2 0
2007–08[30] League Two 37 3 2 0 1 0 1 0 — 41 3 3 0
2008–09[33] League Two 28 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 — 33 1 3 1
2009–10[37] League One 43 4 4 1 1 0 1 0 — 49 5 5 0
2010–11[41] League One 41 2 2 0 4 0 6 0 — 53 2 2 0
2011–12[48] League One 14 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 — 18 2 1 0
2012–13[53] League One 12 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 16 1 3 0
2013–14[68] League One 9 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 — 12 0 1 0
2014–15[70] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 0 0 1 0 0 0
Total 420 32 31 4 20 4 23 2 6 1 501 44 39 1

Honours[edit]

Brentford

Individual

References[edit]

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  2. ^ Kevin O'Connor at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
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  86. ^ "Flemming Pedersen leaves role as Brentford B Head Coach, Kevin O'Connor replaces him". Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  87. ^ "Kevin O'Connor takes on role as Assistant First-Team Coach". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  88. ^ "Romaine Sawyers: "I'm going to keep being me"". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  89. ^ a b Marshall, Sam. "The Long Read: Kevin O'Connor". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  90. ^ a b MacInnes, Keith. "Brentford Football Club". Archived from the original on 11 August 2002. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  91. ^ "Terry looks ahead". brentfordfc.co.uk. 24 July 2007. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  92. ^ Wickham, Chris. "Friends, family and team mates past a present offer words about Club Captain Kevin O'Connor after he reached 500 Brentford games". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  93. ^ "Brentford Club Captain Kevin O'Connor makes appearance number 500 against Stevenage at Griffin Park". www.brentfordfc.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2015.

External links[edit]

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