Welling United are delighted to confirm the arrival of experienced full-back Luke O’Neill.
The 33-year old began his career as a youngster at Leicester City, making three senior appearances for the Foxes while taking in loans with Tranmere Rovers and Kettering Town.
A permanent move to Mansfield Town followed in 2011 where he enjoyed an eye-catching campaign, prompting Burnley to bring the right-back to Turf Moor in the summer of 2012.
Loans with York City, Southend United, Scunthorpe United and Leyton Orient followed prior to a permanent move to Southend in 2015 where he remained for two seasons.
O’Neill made the move to Kent in 2017 when he joined Gillingham, making 90 appearances for the Gills in League One over two seasons before signing for AFC Wimbledon in 2019, securing 64 appearances for Dons over two seasons in the third tier.
He rejoined Kettering in 2021 and represented Stevenage prior to a switch to Ebbsfleet United in 2022 where he has spent the last three campaigns, racking up 62 league appearances.
O’Neill now joins his former Gills teammate Lee Martin at Park View Road as the Wings boss builds his squad for the new season.
Speaking after putting pen to paper in DA16, O’Neill said: “I know Marts [Lee Martin] really well and we’ve been in communication for a long time, so I’m happy that’s it over the line.
“I’m coming in as one of the experienced ones. I’m a leader and will help the young boys.
“I know Jack Paxman well and I’m looking forward to getting to know the other lads. I know the sort of players they’re trying to bring into the club, which sold it to me, so I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling.”
Boss Martin, meanwhile, added: “I’m delighted to welcome a player of Luke’s calibre to our squad.
“He brings a wealth of experience from the football league, alongside this, he bring valuable insights that he can pass onto our younger players within the squad.
“He’s a player of real quality who is capable of orchestrating our build-up and has great understanding around the style of play in which we aim to implement here.
“I’m extremely pleased to have him on board with us.”
