The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Connolly relishing return to top flight
“He’s the reason I kept going back. Right from the first moment I went in, he created that team togetherness. He does it with his staff as well.
“I wasn’t surprised he managed two promotions in two years at Tranmere. It’s just the way he does things.
“He’s a great man-manager and I got on well with him. When I walked through the door he was that old-school manager who would put an arm around the players.
“He’s very engaging. I think a lot of managers, players and coaches who have dealt with him would say the same thing.
“He would back you to the hilt. In interviews after games it would always be his fault and he always had your back.
“It would make you want to run through brick walls for him.”
Ex-Rangers, Hearts and Scotland midfielder Ian Black enjoyed 13 months with Mellon at Shrewsbury.
“Micky is incredible to work and a great motivator,” he says.
“He’ll analyse the squad, see what each player needs – whether it’s an arm around the shoulder or a kick up the a***. He just knows how to get the best out of you.” under
Following Neilson’s shock exit, work on the training pitch continued in recent weeks under the supervision of coaches Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch, who could join their old boss at Tynecastle.
Despite the changes in the dugout, Connolly remains enthused about his own return to the Premiership, as well as the mix of inevitable new arrivals and existing young talents at United.
He said: “The club will probably look to bring in a few more players once the new manager is appointed but at the moment it’s an exciting time.
“I think we’re in a good position to get someone in and get ready for a huge season ahead.
“I played in the Premiership for two years with Kilmarnock and really enjoyed it. I felt comfortable at that level.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into that league and also seeing some of our younger boys test themselves, show that they can play at the top level and prove that they are not Championship players.
“The club have put a lot of faith in those players by giving them longterm contracts so I’m sure they are desperate to test themselves against the likes of Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen.
“We were the best team in the Championship but we know this is a step up, not just in the football side of it, but the mental side of things.
“But I just can’t wait to get back playing at that standard every week.”
Neilson will break his silence on his Tynecastle return at his first press conference as Hearts boss on Monday.
Connolly says his old manager’s advice will ensure the Tangerines squad is fighting fit for the new man’s arrival.
He told Arabzone: “We had to be mentally switched on in terms of when we would be coming back, and we spoke to Robbie (Neilson) about how we could come back stronger and fitter.
“I look around the team and I think everyone has taken that on board.
“Everyone is very fit for this stage of pre-season and, whoever the new manager is, it gives him a fantastic platform. The boys are ready to crack on.”