"Sideways move" - Lincoln City star urged to avoid Wycombe Wanderers switch | OneFootball

Wycombe Wanderers are leading the race to secure Paudie O'Connor's signature on a free transfer when his Lincoln City contract expires

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Wycombe Wanderers are leading the race to secure Paudie O'Connor's signature on a free transfer when his Lincoln City contract expires at the end of June.

According to Football Insider, the 27-year-old defender has attracted interest from multiple clubs across League One - FLW exclusively revealed in May that Huddersfield Town and Barnsley were among those interested.

O'Connor has been a vital part of the Imps' defensive setup since joining the club in 2022 - the Irish defender made 39 appearances in League One this past season - scoring three and assisting four in the process.

The level of interest O'Connor has received shows how highly rated he is at that level and explains why Lincoln would perhaps be disappointed to see him move to Wycombe Wanderers.

Lincoln City verdict on potential Paudie O'Connor, Wycombe Wanderers move

FLW's Lincoln City Fan Pundit, Gary Hutchinson, admitted to us his disappointment at the prospect of losing O'Connor to the Chairboys.

"On a personal note, I'd be disappointed if he went to Wycombe because it does, on the face of it, seem like a sideways move," Hutchinson explained.

"If you were to looking at it in football terms, Wycombe did well this season but fell away - I know they’ve had a season in the Championship recently but they will be one of the teams that I consider us to be in and around - you’d hope if you finish top six you’d finish above Wycombe.

"Football wise it would seem like a sideways move. The thing to remember here is that Wycombe actually were pretty big spenders in terms of wages, they were a good way up the budget table last season without the independent football regulator, spending is going to be crazy again in League One, so there’s zero doubt whatsoever that if Paudie goes there it’s for the money."

Lincoln City urged to understand Paudie O'Connor's perspective amid Wycombe Wanderers talk

Hucthinson gave a mature understanding of O'Connor's situation - recognising the reality facing the defender as he enters the prime of his career.

"I don’t begrudge him for that, he’s 27-years-old, his next contract two-three years will take him through the prime of his career, he’s got to think about himself, his family and if he chooses to go somewhere because it’s good money for him then I don’t begrudge him for that," Hutchinson added.

"I think there’s a certain section of fans that would certainly be upset about it but you’ve got to remember footballers are doing a job, we support our clubs, but it’s their livelihood and their career is very short.

"He will still go with best wishes of most of the fan base but it would of course be disappointing to see him play for Wycombe - when we consider ourselves equal to them."

Wycombe's interest comes after the Chairboys play-off semi-final defeat to eventual winners Charlton Athletic.

There's no doubt Mike Dodds will be keen to somewhat reshape his squad during the summer window - and O'Connors proven third-tier quality could be the decisive factor in helping them next year - at Lincoln City's disappointment.