BRAY WANDERERS HAVE confirmed that a deal has been agreed for 18-year-old striker Billy O’Neill to join English Championship club Bristol City this summer.
O’Neill, who was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad for their recent 2027 Euro qualifiers against Poland, Scotland and Italy but didn’t feature, will move to Ashton Gate subject to international clearance.
The local talent became Bray Wanderers’ youngest-ever player in October 2023, coming on as a second-half substitute aged 15 years and 222 days. O’Neill subsequently became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the League of Ireland since 1937, netting three goals in Wanderers’ 5-1 First Division win over Kerry FC on 17 October last year.
O’Neill, who played his junior football with Crumlin United and Kilnamanagh AFC, joined Bray Wanderers’ Academy in 2022, initially as an U14. He last season became a first-team regular and has started all six of the Seagulls’ First Division fixtures this term, scoring once and laying on two assists.
O’Neill already has 12 League of Ireland goals to his name and has earned 22 underage caps for Ireland between the U15 and U18 grades.
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“I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol City as the next step in my career,” said the Bray striker. “I can’t wait to get going and see what the future holds. I want to thank everyone at Bray Wanderers, the coaches, players and fans, for their support and for everything they’ve done for me throughout my time at the club.”
Seagulls manager Paul Heffernan said: “We are delighted for Billy and his family. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to join a great club in Bristol City and continue his development.
“He’s been a massively important player for us in the first team for the last 12 months and has shown that he has not only the talent but the right mindset and mentality to succeed in professional football.
“We wish nothing but success for Billy in this exciting new chapter in his career.”
Wanderers academy director Dave Foley added: “Billy’s move is a hugely proud moment for everyone at the club. He has come all the way through our club pathway from U14s through to our first team. This opportunity is a testament not only to his talent and work ethic, but also to the consistent support, guidance, and belief shown by all the coaches and staff who have played a role in his development along the way.
“While the move won’t take place for a few months yet and we’re delighted to still have him with us in the meantime, we wish Billy every success as he prepares for this exciting next step in his career.”
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Bray Wanderers young gun Billy O'Neill to join Bristol City this summer
BRAY WANDERERS HAVE confirmed that a deal has been agreed for 18-year-old striker Billy O’Neill to join English Championship club Bristol City this summer.
O’Neill, who was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad for their recent 2027 Euro qualifiers against Poland, Scotland and Italy but didn’t feature, will move to Ashton Gate subject to international clearance.
The local talent became Bray Wanderers’ youngest-ever player in October 2023, coming on as a second-half substitute aged 15 years and 222 days. O’Neill subsequently became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the League of Ireland since 1937, netting three goals in Wanderers’ 5-1 First Division win over Kerry FC on 17 October last year.
O’Neill, who played his junior football with Crumlin United and Kilnamanagh AFC, joined Bray Wanderers’ Academy in 2022, initially as an U14. He last season became a first-team regular and has started all six of the Seagulls’ First Division fixtures this term, scoring once and laying on two assists.
O’Neill already has 12 League of Ireland goals to his name and has earned 22 underage caps for Ireland between the U15 and U18 grades.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol City as the next step in my career,” said the Bray striker. “I can’t wait to get going and see what the future holds. I want to thank everyone at Bray Wanderers, the coaches, players and fans, for their support and for everything they’ve done for me throughout my time at the club.”
Seagulls manager Paul Heffernan said: “We are delighted for Billy and his family. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to join a great club in Bristol City and continue his development.
“He’s been a massively important player for us in the first team for the last 12 months and has shown that he has not only the talent but the right mindset and mentality to succeed in professional football.
“We wish nothing but success for Billy in this exciting new chapter in his career.”
Wanderers academy director Dave Foley added: “Billy’s move is a hugely proud moment for everyone at the club. He has come all the way through our club pathway from U14s through to our first team. This opportunity is a testament not only to his talent and work ethic, but also to the consistent support, guidance, and belief shown by all the coaches and staff who have played a role in his development along the way.
“While the move won’t take place for a few months yet and we’re delighted to still have him with us in the meantime, we wish Billy every success as he prepares for this exciting next step in his career.”
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