EOGHAN O’CONNELL knew instantly he had made the right choice signing for Wrexham and says he feels at home at The Racecourse.

The Irish centre-back joined from Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee in January 2023 and he helped the Reds clinch the National League title following a record-breaking campaign.

There was more success this season as Wrexham clinched a second promotion in a row after securing a top-three finish in League Two.

O’Connell, whose only previous promotion was with Bury in 2018-19 before he made the switch to Rochdale, is back in League One with Wrexham and he couldn’t be happier.

“When you move in football, you get a feel for a club and whether you are at the right place,” said the 28-year-old.

“Within a couple of days when I signed here, I knew that I’d made a good decision.

“It has been incredible and I have loved every minute of it.

“We are only getting started on this journey but it’s a great journey for everyone involved at the club.

“It is special to have these memories to enjoy with everyone and I am delighted for everyone at the club.”

O’Connell made his name with Celtic where he made 13 appearances in all competitions after graduating from the Scottish giants’ academy, including four in the Champions League.

He has played his part in back-to-back promotions with Wrexham and says he gets a similar feeling at his current club to his time with Celtic.

“I made that comparison last year when we were away to Halifax. We actually got beat on the day,” he added.

“I remember being in the warm-up thinking this is similar to a Celtic away day when I was there when I was younger. It hit me then.

“I just think with the fanbase, the support and the atmosphere they create, and obviously the owners are incredible people.”

Sell-out crowds are the norm at The Racecourse and O’Connell admits the atmosphere is special at the iconic north Wales stadium.

“I have had people coming over from Ireland quite a lot for the games and they can’t believe the atmosphere,” he said. “Even taking lots of fans away from home. It is incredible to come out every week.

“You shouldn’t need motivation as a player but when you walk out here every week, they give you everything you need.”

It was on home territory that Wrexham secured automatic promotion with two games to spare after thrashing Forest Green Rovers 6-0.

The competition for a top-three finish was fierce but Phil Parkinson’s side enjoyed a strong run-in and O’Connell praised his team-mates for stepping up to the plate at a crucial stage in the season.

“In the big moments when it matters most, people are there putting their bodies on the line,” added O’Connor, who made 30 league appearances this season and was a rock in the heart of defence after returning to the side in February following injury.

“That has been evident since I came here. That’s what gets you success.”