David Connolly

[Lighthouse]

Having Connolly in the squad is like having the best Ambulance service in Europe, who only work on Tuesdays. If it was a question of tallent, I'd give him a 5 year contract, but it isn't. I wouldn't keep him.

[VectisSaint]

much as I liked Brett's honest endeavour, he was a good provider for others but hardly a goalscorer in the Barnard class.

(11 league goals in 98 games (2001-2006). OK... it was Premiership I know, but ....! )

He scored a lot more goals in a season at the same level than Barney has. 27 in 45 in the 3rd division (all competitions) in 2000/1, followed by 20 in 21 in the 2nd division the following season. At his best Brett was a top goalscorer in the lower leagues. The PL was probably a step too far, as it probably would be for Barney as well to be honest.

[doggface]

Injured for most of the season, but for his stunning performances over the last few weeks I would happily give him a 1 year - at worst pay as you play.

[ToreSF]

Should be given a pay as you play deal. Great player when fit. Also, he apparently whent on to applaud the plymouth fans when the rest of our team was celebrating. True sportsman!

[locks heath saint 2]

he has to stay...he was superb today

that screamer that hit the bar was superb...then another time he turned 2 defenders inside-out and just pull a cracking shot wide....

 

excellent player and dont think he likes his "back from the dead" song lol

You bet he made that quite plain at the match today he deserves better

Thinking hats on guys

[Gis]

Had a big hand in two of the goals today. I love the way he gets the best out of our better players like Lambert and Lallana.

 

Dickson knew what Connolly was going to do in the box and was there to pick up the pieces, and the pass to Lambert sublime, for the penalty.

 

Well worth an extra year, or longer if it was pay as you play.

[braveheart1983]

KEEP KEEP KEEP!!!! I don't think people really how good he is.....the guy is a class above and still the best player bar Lallana in the squad in my opinion. Worth having if only for 25% of the games!

[RedWillie]

He won't stay if we sing that song again...!!!

[Chez]

I've been amazed at just how sharp he has looked since he came back. When we first got him it took about 7 games before he was match sharp, but this time round he has been on it straight away. We've not missed Barnard at all. I know he has had a lot of injuries but how many games has he actauuly been available for this season, as Adkins overlooked him a fair bit during the season.

[LGTL]

The peice of skill and shot that hit that bar was just a different quality, he didn't seem to like the song though! If we could just keep him fit he'd be a hell of a player still.

[beatlesaint]

The peice of skill and shot that hit that bar was just a different quality, he didn't seem to like the song though! If we could just keep him fit he'd be a hell of a player still.

 

What did he do to show he didnt like the song ?

[kpturner]

What did he do to show he didnt like the song ?

He made it quite obvious, with very vigorous finger wagging of the negative variety.

[thorpie the sinner]

No brainer, he has to stay! One year contract, nice and simple!

[forever a red and white]

That turn in the box was top class, He certaily didn;t like the song. Pardew or Davis once described him as the most serious man they had ever met.

[beatlesaint]

That turn in the box was top class, He certaily didn;t like the song. Pardew or Davis once described him as the most serious man they had ever met.

 

Yeah that was Davis said it.

Best a different song Saturday then chaps :-)

[S-Clarke]

He's totally surprised me. What a great pro and a great attitude.

 

Sign him up, more than good enough to do a job in the championship. Not week in, week out - but a great option to have up our sleeves.

[Liquidshokk]

Yeah that was Davis said it.

Best a different song Saturday then chaps :-)

 

He's seemed the happiest of the players since he's been playing again. Most professional rather than serious I would imagine

[Wes Tender]

I've been amazed at just how sharp he has looked since he came back. When we first got him it took about 7 games before he was match sharp, but this time round he has been on it straight away. We've not missed Barnard at all. I know he has had a lot of injuries but how many games has he actauuly been available for this season, as Adkins overlooked him a fair bit during the season.

 

Agreed. It wouldn't have been a surprise at all if he didn't make the full ninety minutes after so long out, but he's been runing around like a nipper. As you say, he has been a very able replacement for Barnard, with almost certainly the better footballing brain. And that turn and shoot goal against Brighton was just a superb bit of skill. If that's what he's capable off, then let us see more.

[shurlock]

Since day 1, he's been class - as I said before, I think Lambert (and Lallana and Guly) play better when he's in the team. Who know's what the story is with his injuries - i guess he didn't like the back from the dead chant because it contributes to lazy stereotypes and lowered expectations about what he can still offer us. Apart from his technique, I wouldn't be surprised if he covered the most ground amongst our players today - the guy is whippet lean, the proverbial last man standing on your bleep test.

[Spudders]

Fair play to him for walking around at the end of the game and clapping the plymouth fans! They have a thread about him on their forum giving him respect.

 

http://www.pasoti.co.uk/talk/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=54205

[benjii]

I wasn't in the away end and I can tell you that when Connolly turned away after his gesture he did have a broad smile on his face.

 

If we can find a way to get Lallana, Guly and Lambert buzzing around Connolly we could be very good indeed. He makes us play well by demanding the ball to feet in the right areas and moving superbly.

[Appy]

The song was sh1t even before the gesture today.

 

That said, i thought it was an ironic gesture at the time.

Edited 2 May, 2011 by Appy

[B Rabbit]

Always said he is our best player... maybe changed my opinion slightly now that Lallalalalanananana has stepped up. Shame he is often injured..but when playing and fit...his level of play is above everyone else....still quick..great touch..thinks fast...fantastic football brains...links play well and can finish...has all the experience you will need too. Hoepfully can keep him next year and get a good run with him in the side.

[alpine_saint]

Connolly (along with Lallana) is our best player. Really looks a different class in the highlights.

 

But his fitness issues simply cannot be ignored.

 

Pay-as-you-play, or low basic and high goal/assist bonuses. For 1 year.

[AndyNorthernSaints]

Had a big hand in two of the goals today. I love the way he gets the best out of our better players like Lambert and Lallana.

 

Dickson knew what Connolly was going to do in the box and was there to pick up the pieces, and the pass to Lambert sublime, for the penalty.

 

Well worth an extra year, or longer if it was pay as you play.

 

This

[Andy_Porter]

His movement is fantastic compared to the rest of the side.

 

We really need to hope he can get fully fit for next season, even it's a case of playing 60-70 mins every other match that's better than nothing. Schneiderlin, Lallana and Connolly together would tear teams apart.

[thesaint sfc]

I honestly think if Connolly could remain fit he would be just as prolific as Lambert can be. Fantastic player who really wears his heart on his sleeve - hopefully he can sort out his fitness problems and get out of the treatment room.

[Barry the Badger]

I thought at the time he was just messing around with the finger waving. He didn't look angry.

[kpturner]

I thought at the time he was just messing around with the finger waving. He didn't look angry.

Not angry, but I think his meaning was quite clear....and that was backed up by his when the chant changed to the usual one.

[Professor]

Connolly has been a revelation and the last two games (Brentford and Plymouth) show just how good he is. Definitly still Prem quality, and people seem to forget that its not that he is prone to injury but that he was carrying an injury for a long time. His goal against Brentford was just amazing and very few players could have scored it. Against Plymouth, his passing showed his class and made two of the gaols. His strike that hit the the bar was amazing. No reflection on Barny, but Connolly should be ahead of him in the pecking order and it would be insane not to give him a contract extension.

[JoeShmoe]

I think Lambert is a lot better next to Connolly,players like him make other players better. If he's fit he should definitely stay and hopefully back-up A.N.Other striker such as CMS

[scotty]

Connolly is prem class. He has looked terrific for us every time ive seen him, and he has whacked in some cracking and absolutely crucial goals when the pressure was on. I'd love to see him stay.

[beatlesaint]

Connolly is prem class. He has looked terrific for us every time ive seen him, and he has whacked in some cracking and absolutely crucial goals when the pressure was on. I'd love to see him stay.

 

I'm sure he will. He said in his interview after the brighton game that he wanted to stay and I'm sure Adkins recent high praise for him hasn't been for effect. Seems too that he has been fit for a fair while but was simply overlooked because Guly then Barnard were doing so well up front.

 

But DC is different class and will be a great help to us in the Championship, even if its only coming off the bench mostly.

[rick1976.4.38]

he has to stay...he was superb today

that screamer that hit the bar was superb...then another time he turned 2 defenders inside-out and just pull a cracking shot wide....

 

excellent player and dont think he likes his "back from the dead" song lol

 

do you mean this one,hes different quality.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6l3Z3jwrrQ

[SFC Chris]

If DC is as highly thought of as everyone is making out then why would you insult him by offering a pay as you play deal and expect him to train all week for buttons if he isn't selected on the Saturday? I'm aware that what people are saying is that give him a low basic wage with a high appearance fee but if NA is overlooking him more often than not (according to DC himself) then it wouldn't make much sense for him to sign such a deal.

[JRM]

Just to confirm, he defintely hates that back from the dead song and even told my mate he finds it offensive and is a shame we sing it as it is disrepectful to him.

 

some of the efforts of humour from saints fans in songs are shocking, the connolly song is shlt, so is the lallana messi one.

[Whitey Grandad]

It was significant that Graeme Murty last night singled out Connolly's part in Lallana's goal at Brentford. He was showing how the way you receive the ball and turn with it creates time for your team-mates.

[The Cat]

We should definitely keep him. The link up play between him and Lallana the past few games has been a joy to watch. His sharpness despite a long lay off has proved that he can come back from injury and go straight into the team and make a difference.

 

If both players were at full fitness I'd pick him over Barnard every week.

 

And yes, the finger-wagging was followed by a grin as he turned round. I thought he was trying to signify that he'd never been dead and there's still plenty of life in him.

[The9]

He does for us what Kevin Phillips didn't do for us but did for everyone else.

 

Suggest you re-watch 2004/5 season video (we did actually bring one out as well, didn't we?) to see Kevin Phillips doing for us exactly what he does for everyone else.

 

Connolly was absolutely brilliant yesterday, never stopped running and working hard to create things, and deserved that beautiful long range shot to drop just an inch lower. Man of the Match by an absolute street.

[Gambol2K9]

I still think people are overrating him. Very good player for us, yes...but way above anything else in this division? Please...

 

Care to name many better natural finishers/goal poachers in league 1?

[The9]

Just to confirm, he defintely hates that back from the dead song and even told my mate he finds it offensive and is a shame we sing it as it is disrepectful to him.

 

some of the efforts of humour from saints fans in songs are shocking, the connolly song is shlt, so is the lallana messi one.

 

As a regular crap song slater on here, I don't have much problem with either, Lallana joined in with his yesterday - but if Connolly hates it (and the finger wagging showed that he at least wasn't keen on it), that'll be the last time I'm singing that one as well. Thumbs up for nananananananana David Connolly from him as he ran away though.

 

And now we've established the precedent of players approving songs, I'm surprised Jaidi didn't just give us the finger.

[Appy]

Suggest you re-watch 2004/5 season video (we did actually bring one out as well, didn't we?) to see Kevin Phillips doing for us exactly what he does for everyone else.

 

Connolly was absolutely brilliant yesterday, never stopped running and working hard to create things, and deserved that beautiful long range shot to drop just an inch lower. Man of the Match by an absolute street.

 

At the time i wanted it to go in.

 

I had Lambert 3-1 on my scorecast, so i will settle for the crossbar .

[Deppo]

It is funny that people keep saying 'I wish he was less injury prone'.

 

If he was less injury prone, he would probably be in the championship or premiership. Thye don't want him, though, because he is injury prone.

[benjii]

But now we've got him, I wish he would become less injury prone. Retrospectively, I don't care.

[Lighthouse]

Care to name many better natural finishers/goal poachers in league 1?

 

Either the world has gone mad or I'm just not getting this. The best finisher in League 1 this season is a bloke who has 2 goals (and 1 in the FA Cup against Shrews)?

[Appy]

Either the world has gone mad or I'm just not getting this. The best finisher in League 1 this season is a bloke who has 2 goals (and 1 in the FA Cup against Shrews)?

 

How many appearances?

 

If he had played the same amount of games as Lambert or Barnard i see your point, but i really don't.

[Lighthouse]

How many appearances?

 

If he had played the same amount of games as Lambert or Barnard i see your point, but i really don't.

 

17. My point is the argument for keeping him doesn't make any sense.

 

So he's the best finisher in League 1, but he's only scored 3 goals? That's not his fault, he's only scored 3 goals because he's been injured so often, but we should give him a new contract, even though he's 34?

[saintsforlife7]

The turn in that video is different class, he's looked really energetic for the complete 90 the last few games, suggests we keep him if he can maintain about 15-20 games a season, probably get 10 goals in that space of time too

[up and away]

KEEP KEEP KEEP!!!! I don't think people really how good he is.....the guy is a class above and still the best player bar Lallana in the squad in my opinion. Worth having if only for 25% of the games!

 

I am 100% sure I know how good Connolley is and the main reason why our strike force of Ricky and Lee has to change. The dynamism and invention showed by Connolley makes us a different team, what I don't know is how many games we will get out of Connolley. If the medical staff are uncertain and we can't negotiate a suitable deal even for those 25% of games, I would let Connolley go and bring in someone very similar or better. That would mean no guarantees for Ricky or Lee, depending upon who we can get in to provide that mobility and nous. That may sound harsh, but what Connolley has shown is what we have been missing. Ricky could easily up his game and get things back to previous and we will be in clover, equally Lee could work wonders alongside a more mobile partner. A very difficult conumdrum for all three players, one I will gladly leave to Adkins.

[Fowllyd]

I rather wonder if Adkins has kept Connolly back, in part at least, to ensure that when needed he'd be properly fit, not just fit enough to get on the pitch for a few minutes before returning to the treatment room. It's often the case that, when a player's been out for a long time, his comeback is punctuated by minor injuries, frequently unrelated to the one which brought about the lay-off in the first place. Connolly's been available to play for quite some time (according to what he and Adkins have said), but didn't even get on the bench until relatively recently. And, once Adkins considered him to be ready for action, he was all that and more.

 

Having watched the Brentford highlights on Saints Player, I thought his turn before supplying Lallana for the first goal was superb. Guly got the ball and turned neatly, then passed it to Connolly, whose turn dumped his marker on his arse. The time he gained from that made it relatively easy to pick out the pass to Lallana which led to the goal. Superb bit of play.

 

One other thought. Sometimes, a long-term injury can actually end up prolonging a player's career - assuming, of course, that he recovers fully from the injury. The time spent not playing also means less in the way of kicks, bumps, sprains, and other minor injuries - which, cumulatively, serve to shorten a player's career. It's possible that, if he's truly free from injury (and he certainly seems to be), Connolly could enjoy an Indian summer to his playing career with us. I hope he does.