Garreth O'Connor released by Burnley FC

Garreth O'Connor's three-year-contract was due to expire this summer, but the club have decided to release the 29-year old midfielder early and give him more time to find a new club.

Owen Coyle had this to say about the situation:

"It's unfortunate for Garreth that it's never worked out and we wish him well. He has worked hard during my time here and just never got a chance."

O'Connor joined the Clarets in 2005 from AFC Bournemouth. He had an impressive first season under Steve Cotterill at Turf Moor and had a spell where he scored four goals in as many matches. The stunning goal he scored from a free kick away to Wolves in the Sky-televised game will be the one he will be remembered for the most. He was also a pretty cool penalty taker.

However, he then seemed to drop out of favour and it was rumoured at the time that he had fallen out with Cotterill. During the 2006-7 season he did not make the starting eleven in a single game making only nine appearances as substitute.

He was then placed on the transfer list in May 2007 and returned on loan to his former club Bournemouth at the start of this season. His second spell at the club did not work out for him although it was not helped by injuries and he returned to the Clarets in October last year just before the managerial change.

Owen Coyle replaced Steve Cotterill in November 2007 and the new gaffer made it clear that all players including Gaz would get their chance with all past issues on the slate wiped clean. Sadly for the player though he has only managed one appearance from the bench this season so in many ways the writing looked to be on the wall and the decision by the club will come as no surprise to many Clarets fans.