NOT DUN & DUSTED JUST YET!
Vase winner Connell is back with the Fed
THERE’S no place like home for two-time FA Vase winner Liam Connell.
The experienced goalkeeper was part of the Dunston UTS side that claimed a 2-0 win over Northern League rivals West Auckland Town in the 2012 final at Wembley.
And he added more silverware five years later when turning out for South Shields as the Mariners completed a historic quadruple with a 4-0 triumph against Cleethorpes Town.
Connell left South Shields last season to spend time on loan at Darlington and had a short spell at Hebburn Town before the coronavirus epidemic curtailed the 2019-20 campaign.
However, this week, after a five-year absence, Connell completed a return to the club where he first experienced Wembley success when he agreed to rejoin Dunston.
“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.
“It’s good to be back and I can’t wait to get started.”
Role model
The move sees Connell reunited with current Dunston manager Chris Swailes.
The duo was 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 team-mate 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 said.
“He is a big role model for any footballer at any level, but he one of the lads in the dressing room too.
“He’s honest, he’s approachable, and everyone has good words to say about him.
“He was always destined to go into a role like this and I am glad he has taken it at Dunston.”