Former Republic of Ireland under-21 international Jay O’Shea signed for the Shakers on a two-year deal, in June 2017, after coming to the end of his contract with League Two side Chesterfield. The 28-year-old started his career at St Joseph’s Boys, a youth team located in Co. Dublin before joining Home Farm FC of the Leinster Senior League. After his spell with Home Farm, Jay moved on to League of Ireland Premier Division side Bray Wanderers, where he stayed for two seasons, before moving to Galway United, where he spent a further two seasons and finished as Galway’s top scorer during the 2008 season.

The form he displayed with Galway United earned O’Shea a move to then Premier League side Birmingham City in August 2009, signing on a two-year contract. Just six days after arriving at the club he made his debut in the English top flight, coming on as a substitute against Manchester United at Old Trafford. After a series of loan spells at Middlesbrough, Stevenage and Port Vale, O’Shea joined MK Dons in 2011 after impressing manager Karl Robinson, whilst on trial, earning him a one-year contract with an option for a second year. O’Shea featured 52 times for the Dons during his 18-month stay, netting eight times in the process.

In November 2012, O’Shea joined League Two side Chesterfield on loan until 5^th January 2013. On 11^th January 2013, Chesterfield announced that they had signed the winger on an 18-month deal after his contract with MK Dons was terminated by mutual consent. He was a member of the Chesterfield squad which gained promotion from League Two in 2014 and, during his four years with the club, O’Shea scored over 40 goals in 161 starts. On 24^th January 2017, Jay joined Sheffield United, on loan until the end of the 2016-17 season.

He made 10 appearances for the Bramall Lane side, scoring three goals against Swindon, Oldham and Port Vale, helping the Blades romp to the League One title. On his return to the Proact Stadium Jay was released by Chesterfield. However, he was offered a contract by Blades’ boss Chris Wilder but, subsequently, opted against signing a two-year permanent deal at Bramall Lane choosing to join Lee Clark’s Shakers instead.