Clarets defender Luke O’Neill leaves Turf Moor to link up with The Shrimpers

Burnley defender Luke O’Neill has had his contract cancelled, and has joined Southend United on a two-year deal.
ONeill is pictured in pre-season training at Gawthorpe, between Lukas Jutkiewicz and George Boyd.ONeill is pictured in pre-season training at Gawthorpe, between Lukas Jutkiewicz and George Boyd.
ONeill is pictured in pre-season training at Gawthorpe, between Lukas Jutkiewicz and George Boyd.

The 24-year-old has moved to Roots Hall on a free transfer, after returning to Essex on a one-month loan on August 22nd - having previously had a similar spell at Southen in January 2014, which was interrupted by injury.

O’Neill was signed by Eddie Howe from Mansfield Town in the summer of 2012, 2012 but only made two first team appearances, spending further loan spells at York City, Scunthorpe United and Leyton Orient.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

O’Neill started his career in Leicester City’s Academy, going on to make three senior appearances for the Foxes, as well as gaining Football League experience with a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers in 2010.

Following a three-month spell with Kettering Town, the Slough-born defender then joined Mansfield, and started all but three games as the Stags reached the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

His performances attracted the attention of a number of Championship clubs, before Burnley made their move, however, his way to the first team was barred by Kieran Trippier.