I’m over the moon with Rovers return – Connolly
JAMES Connolly says he “cannot wait to carry on where we left off” after signing for Bristol Rovers on a permanent basis.
It is understood that Rovers will pay Cardiff City up to £150,000 for the young defender, but that figure will not be up front and includes appearance-based clauses.
The Pirates completed a deal for the talented centre-back on Friday, with Connolly signing a three-year contract after the Bluebirds took up a 12-month option in his previous agreement in order to extract a fee from the Memorial Stadium outfit.
After an outstanding loan spell, bringing Connolly back was a nobrainer for manager Joey Barton, with the 20-year-old not part of Steve Morrison’s plans at the Cardiff City Stadium.
However, Rovers have still had to go through several weeks of negotiations to get him back to north Bristol with the Bluebirds fully aware of his importance to Rovers as they prepare for the League One campaign.
It could prove a considerable bargain, with the full amount – published as “undisclosed” – essentially staggered over several seasons and determined largely by how many games Connolly plays and if Rovers secure promotion with him as part of the squad. A win-win situation for the Pirates and a small price to pay, in reality, should that occur.
The Connolly-Connor Taylor defensive axis was integral to Rovers’ promotion and internally the club are said to be absolutely delighted to have secured 50 per cent of that partnership on a permanent basis.
Sentiments echoed by Connolly, who said: “I am absolutely over the moon to sign for Rovers. Last year couldn’t have gone any better for me, with the way the team performed and also how the fans took to me straight away.
“Now I’m looking forward to getting back to it – it’s a step up into League One, but we can’t wait to carry on where we left off and have another great season.”
In truth, the fee looks a bargain given Connolly’s performances last season and his potential ceiling, should he continue similar sorts of progression as was evidenced in League Two after he arrived, rather inconspicuously, in January.
His signing was announced only by virtue of him appearing in the squad for the FA Cup clash at Peterborough, but he went on to become a mainstay of Barton’s defence despite it being his first experience of senior football.
The relatively minimal investment made is emphasised by the length of the contract as Connolly has the opportunity to showcase his talents in League One and there is every chance his valuation will rise considerably.
Rovers still remain hopeful of reuniting Connolly with his partner of last year, Taylor, but will have to play a waiting game as Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill assesses the 20-year-old over the first few weeks of pre-season.
Meanwhile, Rovers have been hit with two FA charges after a sixweek investigation into incidents towards the end of their 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe, which secured promotion into League One.
Rovers have been charged with breaches of FA Rule E20.1 and E20.2 after supporters invaded the pitch following Elliot Anderson’s goal in the 85th minute, and then again at the final whistle.
Rovers have until Monday, July 4 to provide a response with a fine likely, should they be found guilty. The FA investigation has been running since Monday, May 8 after match official Charles Breakspear submitted his report into the game, which took place on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign.