Striker Aaron O'Connor signed for Rushden & Diamonds from Mansfield Town in mid-June 2009. After a successful first season with the club, he signed to remain at Nene Park for the 2010-11 season during May 2010.

During the 2009/10 season he played 44 times in all national competitions, scoring 15 times, 10 of those goals coming in the Blue Square Premier.

Manager Justin Edinburgh commented when Aaron signed for his second season at the club - "I'm absolutely delighted that Aaron has committed to the club for another year. He had some very serious and some very good offers from other clubs; but he's shown his intentions and his loyalty.

Aaron is an integral part of our squad and both Aaron and myself only think he's going to get better for next season. I'm delighted to have him here for another year."

Aaron started his career at Ilkeston Town, having spells at Scunthorpe and Nuneaton Borough before returning to Ilkeston. Aaron played for Gresley Rovers between 2004 and 2007, playing 127 games and scoring 80 goals during that time, also picking up the Player's Player of the Year, Manager's Player of the Year and Supporter's Player of the Year awards two years running.

In 2006, O'Connor nearly signed for Rushden & Diamonds, under Manager Paul Hart at the time. He played in pre-season friendlies, however he returned to Gresley, later moving to Grays Athletic, where he played under Justin Edinburgh. O'Connor signed for Mansfield in 2008, playing 39 games and scoring 8 goals.

During the 2009/10 season Aaron scored a total of 15 goals in all competitions, which made him joint-top scorer for the club in that category.

After a successful season as Diamonds' captain in 2010/11 he picked up the Sponsors' Player of the Season award, the Diamond Minors Player of the Season award and the Supporters' Player of the Season award. On June 6th 2011 he joined Luton Town on a two-year deal.