O'Connor goes for £500,000

O'Connor once played under Megson at the Britannia Stadium, when he first broke his way into the team. Under Megson's wing, James went from stregnth to stregnth and became a much loved regular in the Stoke City line-up.

O'Connor's contract ran out this summer, but due to Football League regulations - Stoke can still demand a fee for the 23 year old midfielder.

James, despite being happy at joining a new club, was sad to say goodbye.

He told the Stoke Sentinel: "It's been hard saying goodbye because I have got so many close friends at Stoke. This place has become a second home for me.

"The main reason I am leaving is because I'm out of contract and just feel it's the right time to move on.

"I've always had a great relationship with the fans, and now I just hope they will understand my reasons for going.

"Hopefully, they will remember me as a player who always worked his butt off for the club."

O'Connor goes for £500,000

Last updated : 14 July 2003 By Rob Stanway