Like I’ve never been away, says keeper on Dunston return
LIAM Connell has admitted that he feels like he has never been away from Dunston UTS after securing a return to the Northern Premier League club.
The experienced goalkeeper wrote himself into club folklore when he was part of the Dunston side that claimed a 2-0 win over North East rivals West Auckland Town in the 2012 FA Vase Final.
His form at the club earned him a reputation as one of the most consistent stoppers in the Northern League, further enhanced when he moved to South Shields in 2016.
Connell helped the Mariners to a historic quadruple as they claimed the Northern League title, Northern League Cup, Durham Challenge Cup and FA Vase within his first 12 months at the club.
Connell remained a regular between the sticks as the Mariners Park club secured a third consecutive promotion into the Northern Premier League’s top tier in 2018.
However, the arrival of Blackpool goalkeeper Myles Boney saw him depart on loan to National League North club Darlington last season and he went on to join Hebburn Town before the campaign was brought to a premature end.
He will now return to Dunston four years after a four-year absence, and he revealed his delight at returning to a club close to his heart.
“It’s good to be back, it feels like I have never been away,” admitted the 34-year-old stopper.
“When I left, I always said I would like to go back and finish off my career at Dunston.
“I think I have a lot left to give as a goalkeeper and I have a lot to thank the club for from my last time here.
“There has been a massive change and they have done an unbelievable job in progressing from the Northern League.
“I’ll probably be the oldest one in the dressing room so hopefully my experience can help us this season.”
The move sees Connell reunited with current Dunston manager Chris Swailes. The duo were part of the side that lifted the Vase under former boss Billy Irwin eight years ago, and Swailes went on to succeed the Dunston stalwart in 2016.
Since his appointment, the former Rotherham United and Bury defender has led the club to two impressive FA Cup runs, a Northern League Cup win and a Northern League title.
Connell never doubted that his former teammate would go on to become a successful manager and admitted that he is pleased that he has done that with Dunston.
“He was always a player that everyone in the dressing room looked up to. He is a big role model for any footballer at any level. He was always destined to go into a role like this and I am glad he has taken it at Dunston.”