Club Captain Kevin O’Connor has signed a new one-year contract to stay at Brentford Football Club until the summer of 2015.

The one-club man, who is closing in on 500 games in a Brentford shirt and is fourth on the Club’s all-time appearance list, signed the new deal at Griffin Park today, Thursday March 20.

As well as extending his playing contract in to a remarkable 16th season as a Brentford First Team player, Kevin will take on coaching responsibilities.

Mark Warburton, Brentford FC Manager, said: “I am delighted that Kevin O’Connor will be extending his contract with the Club and indeed will be assuming additional responsibilities as he looks to begin his coaching career.

“Kevin will continue his playing career but combine his training and playing duties with his pursuit of the relevant coaching licences and spending time working with both the First Team and Academy staff.

“Kevin has seen so much significant change at the Club and yet has maintained his exceedingly high standards throughout and it is this outstanding quality that we need to keep at Brentford.

“We will work closely with Kevin on a day-to-day basis and ensure he is given every opportunity to build a solid foundation for the next stage of his career.

“However, it is important for me to stress that he will remain a valuable member of the playing squad and his immediate focus will be on preparing himself for competition as and when he is selected. “

Frank McParland, Brentford FC Sporting Director, added: “Kevin buys in to the vision we all have for the future of Brentford Football Club.

“He will be able to learn from some outstanding coaches as he moves in to that phase of his career but he still had a lot to offer as a player, as he has proved in recent months.

“It is great that we can keep a Brentford legend at the Club to work with the staff and players who will follow in his footsteps from the youth ranks to the First Team.”

Kevin, 32, signed professional terms with Brentford in 1999 after progressing through the Club’s youth system.

He made his debut in February 2000 against Wycombe Wanderers and in nearly 14 years since he has filled just about every position on the pitch.

Kevin’s years with the club were marked with a testimonial match against Fulham in July 2010, a few months after his 400th appearance.

He became only the fourth man to play 400 Football League games for The Bees when he featured against Bury on the first day of the 2012/13 npower League One season and has played 497 games for the Club in all competitions.