O’Donnell looks to play himself into Still’s long-term Town plan

Dedicated young Hatter JJ O’Donnell is hoping he can continue to impress new boss John Still and become part of his long-term plans, writes Mark Wood.

The 21-year-old’s chances under Still were limited at the end of the season after failing to impress in the 2-1 home defeat to lowly Hyde in March.

O’Donnell said: “That night against Hyde we were horrific to be perfectly honest. We were absolutely horrific and we had to look at ourselves as players.

We had that night and we got booed off the pitch. People had their voice heard from the stands and rightly so. They pay their hard-earned money to come to this ground and to watch us play and to put on a performance like that wasn’t good enough.

“It was frustrating that night because I wanted to play again the next week and put things right, but I had to wait for my chance.”

O’Donnell’s yet to have a chat with Still about his future, but is desperate to stay at Kenilworth Road, and was glad to feature in the final home game of the season against Ebbsfleet.

He said: “I’ve got two years left on my contract and I’m happy to stay at this football club.

“I’ve been struggling with pins and needles in my foot and I’ve had it for a few months now.

“It’s a case of biding my time and he gave me a chance (against Ebbsfleet). I wasn’t brilliant but I like to think that I did a job for the team.”

O’Donnell’s versatility saw him employed in several positions last season, although he admits being more suited to a left wing role, especially in the Conference.

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