Blarney's Conor McCarthy signs a two year deal with Northampton Town

Cork City academy graduate Conor McCarthy has joined Northampton Town following the conclusion of his contract with Barnsley.

The 27-year-old has agreed a two year contact with the EFL League One side, and will be coached by Kevin Nolan next season.

The defender started out with Blarney United before moving to Cork City, where he represented the club’s U19s.

McCarthy slowly broke through to the first team during the 2016 season and he was a member of the double winning squad in 2017.

The defender moved from Cork City to St Mirren and that was followed by a move to Barnsley.

Big things are expected of McCarthy at Northampton Town according to Nolan, best known for his stint at West Ham United as a player.

“We see Conor as a leader, a really good professional and someone we are really pleased to sign,” the manager said.

“He has been really impressive in the conversations we have had with him and he is a very good character. 

"He conducts himself very well and he has a presence about him.

“First and foremost though, he is a good defender, strong in the air and in the tackle and he puts his body on the line. 

"He is also good on the ball and we are adding players who we think will make us better in that part of the game.

“I want us to be better in possession and he will help with that. 

"He will help us sustain attacks as well as his defensive work and that’s important for the way we want to play.” 

McCarthy is simply thrilled that the deal is done, as he did not want a long preseason that involved looking for a club.

“I’m absolutely delighted," he said.

“It's so important to get the contract sorted early as the pre-season goes longer and longer you don’t want to be out of the game. 

"You want to be in with the lads and getting to know your new team-mates. 

"It was great to get it done so soon.

“I think just the feeling of being wanted was a big factor for me. 

"The manager and Colin Calderwood were on the phone the whole summer. 

"They knew what I could bring to this club, and they were really excited to get me in, and I think that’s probably what swayed my decision. 

"I turned down other clubs to come here and I think that working with those two definitely made my decision easier."