James Connolly (footballer)
 Connolly at Bristol Rovers in 2022. | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 2 November 2001 | ||
| Position(s) | Central defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team |
Bristol Rovers (on loan from Cardiff City) | ||
| Number | 2 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Blackburn Rovers | |||
| 2020–2021 | Cardiff City | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2021– | Cardiff City | 0 | (0) |
| 2022– | → Bristol Rovers (loan) | 21 | (1) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:48, 18 April 2022 (UTC) | |||
James Connolly (born 2 November 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays for Bristol Rovers, on loan from Cardiff City, as a central defender.[1]
Career
Early career and Cardiff City
Connolly began his career with Blackburn Rovers, signing a two-year scholarship contract with the club in June 2018.[2] Despite missing the majority of the 2019–20 season through an injury sustained in October 2019, Connolly had his scholarship extended by a further year[3] being released by the club at the end of the following season.[4] In June 2021, Connolly signed with Cardiff City.[citation needed]
Bristol Rovers (loan)
On 8 January 2022, Connolly joined League Two side Bristol Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.[5] He made his senior debut later that day in a 2–1 FA Cup Third Round defeat to Peterborough United, and his league debut came on 22 January 2022.[6] Connolly formed a solid defensive partnership with fellow Championship loanee Connor Taylor, being praised for his composure on the ball and his ability to adapt to the physical demands of League Two football.[7] Connolly scored a first senior goal in a vital match against promotion rivals Port Vale, turning home an Antony Evans cross to give Rovers the lead having fallen behind early on, Rovers going on to win 3–1.[8]
Career statistics
- As of match played 18 April 2022
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Cardiff City | 2021–22[6] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bristol Rovers (loan) | 2021–22[6] | League Two | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 |
| Career total | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | ||
References
- ^ James Connolly at Soccerway
- ^ "Introducing the class of 2018". www.rovers.co.uk. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "The pathway is there for the youngsters". www.rovers.co.uk. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "Rovers confirm Retain List". www.rovers.co.uk. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "Bristol Rovers sign Cardiff's Connolly" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ a b c "Games played by James Connolly in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
- ^ Williams, Glen (13 April 2022). "The mightily impressive Cardiff City defender who was chucked in at deep end and thrived". Wales Online. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "Port Vale 1–3 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
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