Professor Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Came to Saints when it looked like his career might be over at the age of 32, after having played very little football for two seasons before being released by Sunderland. It was hugely to his credit that not only regained fitness, but as he said himself, he became one of the fittest players in the Saints' squad! As a result he brought genuine quality to the Saints' team and extended his career by three seasons, scoring some crucial goals. The winning goal away to BHA at Withdean in 2010/11 season was a memorable moment when he came to the fans with his trade-mark, arms wide, celebration! Football is a cruel game, leaving talented players facing a career change at a young age, although in Connolly's case, he's done well to stay in a Championship side until almost his 35th birthday. Thank you, David, for your part in three fantastic years for Southampton FC. Very best wishes for the future
Thedelldays Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I would say thanks..but I doubt he reads this place
CWD Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I would say thanks..but I doubt he reads this place What's the point of writing that? DC was a good signing in the end, his first goal at Oldham and the one against Leeds this season really stick out for me. Quality finishing. He had that extra awareness and a great touch that comes from experience of being a top player for so many years. I hope another team takes a chance on him, he can still do a job somewhere.
chocco boxo Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Enjoyed watching him play. A good talented footballer.
beatlesaint Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Very clever player, he played a major role in the flying start we had in The Championship and the run in we had in League 1 as some of his link play with Lambert and Lallana was superb, chipped in with goals too. That start ultimately led us to promotion so his role should not be under estimated, niether should his role at the end of the previous season where his goals helped us to the first promotion, Brighton away being a prime example. Such a shame about his injury record, although I guess if it wasn't for that he would never have played at Southampton for the past 3 years. Good luck David. Hope he finds a club cos he certainly still has the ability to do a job, albeit not for a whole season.
niemi14 Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Intelligent striker who played a big part in our free flowing, steam rolling start to the 11/12 season. He was the right signing at the right time, much like Jaidi. Sure he will find a club in the Championship or League 1.
S-Clarke Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 When we signed him under Pards, you felt it would be a masterstroke if stayed fit. Unfortunately he never ever stayed fit, but the times he was available he made a difference and scored some massive goals. A very fine finisher, but his injuries make it impossible to keep him on.
SuperSAINT Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Cheers DC. If only he'd stayed fit. The run of goals he got in our promotion season from league 1 were vital.
red&white56 Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Thanks David, I enjoyed watching him play - he always offered something a bit dfifferent and scored some good goals. David Connolly - he played for the Saints!
corky morris Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I was at Oldham when he scored his first goals for us & I turned to VFTT & said that he was way to good for L1. He was a key contirbutor to our success in the last 2 1/2 years & we should be very grateful for his efforts.
James Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I think its a bit of a shame not to give him another year. He made a crucial contribution to us being where we are now and even with Sharp et al you felt that he would probably be in the team if fit. With 7 subs available in the Prem I felt he was worth a place in the squad. Looking at the released list, I think we're going to have to do some major work in the transfer market this summer to fill the gaps in the squad. Especially the keeper situation.
Saint J 77 Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Very clever player, he played a major role in the flying start we had in The Championship and the run in we had in League 1 as some of his link play with Lambert and Lallana was superb, chipped in with goals too. That start ultimately led us to promotion so his role should not be under estimated, niether should his role at the end of the previous season where his goals helped us to the first promotion, Brighton away being a prime example. Such a shame about his injury record, although I guess if it wasn't for that he would never have played at Southampton for the past 3 years. Good luck David. Hope he finds a club cos he certainly still has the ability to do a job, albeit not for a whole season. 100% Agreed. His goals and all round play definitely helped us at vital times in our past two seasons. His end of season goals were pivotal in getting us promoted last season. After Barnards injury I feared the worse but his class shone through. His contribution has been massive to our two promotions. He helped us have a great end to last year and a brilliant start to this season, as you say without which, we might not be where we are now. Personally I would have considered keeping him on for this season for his experience at this level alone. Was he actually injured in the run in this season, or was he just out of favour? I would of rather he was on the bench versus Coventry than Puncheon. At least given him a send off, if he was not injuried.
krissyboy31 Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Class act and even though he couldn't play as many games as he and we would have liked played a big part in our revival. Remember his remarkable performance at Walsall a couple of seasons ago.
Kingsland Red Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Bartosz amongst others. Jaidi retiring. Link is here: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2776455,00.html
Pugwash Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Always a class player, good to watch and key to our re-birth. Thanks DC.
Danbert Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Thought he was key to the pretty football we played at the start of the season and a successful start to life in the Championship. I accept he's past it but I think we'll miss him.
WealdSaint Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Thanks DC You join the ranks of some great players who came to Saints at the end of their careers and did a job for us.
Lighthouse Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I was there at Oldham when he came off the bench and scored a cracker on his debut. Scored again in the next game at home to the Dons and I thought we'd found an absolute gem. Sadly since them he's proved a bit of a warning for the 'great player if fit' argument, but some of his appearances in League 1 were top class. I think last season was a season too far, he had some decent games, but many others when he just went missing. Good luck to him in the future, I reckon he's got one more League 1 season in him yet.
um pahars Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 As someone else said above, he and a number of other players were the right signings at the right time for us. Scored some vital goals, created others and played an important role in clawing our way bak to the top able. Top work fella.
Badger Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Can't understimate his part in our resurgence, even if in short sharp bursts, has been important in overcoming the -10 points, promotion from L1 at the end of last season on arrival, and our start to promotion this season. Shame we could not have signed him in his prime. Wish him well at his next club.
positivepete Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Cheers DC, class player. Thanks for your vital contribution
rooney Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 A class player whose movement was a treat to watch. I expect he will be very much aware of the reasons for his release which we all expected. Good luck in the future and thank you.
dubai_phil Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 As someone else said above, he and a number of other players were the right signings at the right time for us. Scored some vital goals, created others and played an important role in clawing our way bak to the top able. Top work fella. this To be honest signing a fit 29/30 year old version of him for our first season back in PL would not be a bad call
Bearsy Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Can't understimate his part in our resurgence Harsh! Edit: oh hold ons i thought you was going for under estimate, maybe you was going or understates. which makes more sense!
Badger Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Harsh! Edit: oh hold ons i thought you was going for under estimate, maybe you was going or understates. which makes more sense! I think you get the drift on reading the rest of the post.
Bearsy Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I only ever read first sentences! It's a real timesavers! I've read the complete works of dickens, Tale of Two Cities was the best i really got what he was saying with that one, man!
Graffito Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Quality player but age and injury has caught up with him and it seemed inevitable he would be released. I heard two seasons ago from a couple of people up here in North London where he still has connections that he was doing or intended doing his coaching badges.
View From The Top Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I was at Oldham when he scored his first goals for us & I turned to VFTT & said that he was way to good for L1. He was a key contirbutor to our success in the last 2 1/2 years & we should be very grateful for his efforts. When he gave the keeper the eyes!
VectisSaint Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Great shame, I think he could have offered us a lot of experience in our first season back in the top flight. He remains a very classy forward with a tremendous football brain. It was not just his goals that helped us but his all round play and movement off the ball, creating space for Lambert etc. I guess he really could be said to be a victim of the 25 man squad rule, since it is not really viable to include a player who is unlikely to feature in 50% of games. We will need to esnure that we have 25 players who are likely to be available all season, of course unexpected injuries and suspensions will have to be dealt with. Godd luck DC, always enjoyed seeing you play and your class was clear for all to see.
Avenue Saint Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Was always on the cards but he played his part with some important goals. Appreciated.
RonManager Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I was at Oldham when he scored his first goals for us & I turned to VFTT & said that he was way to good for L1. He was a key contirbutor to our success in the last 2 1/2 years & we should be very grateful for his efforts. When he gave the keeper the eyes! That goal, if I remember right, sealed the win which took us off the bottom. He was so pleased as it was the first goal on his comeback trail, and the crowd reaction was wild! All the best to you David mate and many thanks.
ottery st mary Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Thank you Sir David Connolly......Good luck in the future..
View From The Top Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 That goal, if I remember right, sealed the win which took us off the bottom. He was so pleased as it was the first goal on his comeback trail, and the crowd reaction was wild! All the best to you David mate and many thanks. Correct, if took us off the bottom and we all went mental. Lambert almost scored from about 45yds as well.
Foxstone Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Thanks DC - You have made a fantastic contribution to our return to the top flight. All the very best for the future
Saint_clark Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I think its a bit of a shame not to give him another year. He made a crucial contribution to us being where we are now and even with Sharp et al you felt that he would probably be in the team if fit. With 7 subs available in the Prem I felt he was worth a place in the squad. Looking at the released list, I think we're going to have to do some major work in the transfer market this summer to fill the gaps in the squad. Especially the keeper situation. No he wouldn't. He was a good player for us, but people have built him up to have been much better than he was.
Saint Fen Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Quality player, played a very important part in the past 3 years. The goal against Oldham on his debut stands out. Would have loved to seen him play in his prime.
sfc4prem Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Really intelligent little striker. Scored some sublime goals for us - both in the Championship and L1. Was a great signing on a free and he played a crucial role in our promotion run in in L1. Also was integral to the way we started in the Championship. My favourite goal of his... Hmmm... Probably one of the most important was the one at Brighton, but the one this year at Barnsley was handy too! Loved watching him play for us - Cheers DC!
The Cat Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Great player for us, will never forget some of his goals - his fox in the box style equaliser at Brighton was of extreme significance. Without his important contributions we could well be a league below where we are now. Some of his link up play with Lallana especially was a joy to watch. The short passing, clever flicks and angles they created were of a level far above League 1 standard. Hopefully he'll enjoy more success elsewhere before he retires.
gordonToo Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 When he gave the keeper the eyes! That moment was one of the highlights of the seaon for me.
View From The Top Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 That moment was one of the highlights of the seaon for me. And for me. I reckon we all looked where he did as he slotted the ball the other side.
Under Weststand Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Real shame he so many injuries, when fit he was a real threat up front. He may not have played a lot for us, but he has made some telling contributions in his time here. Good luck for the future DC whatever & wherever that may be.
aintforever Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 His contribution to promotion from League 1 was crucial. His experience and finishing got us over the finish line and he played a key role in our great start in the Championship. Great signing. Thanks DC.
lettuce Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 His contribution to forum lols was also significant... http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?26289-Connolly
Stud mark of doom Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I remember the whole away end being rebuked by the great man after a rousing rendition of "David Connelly, he's back from the dead" at Brentford.
Chez Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 never better than running through and smashing in a beauty at Walsall. Hope we can find similar talent but with legs.
gonzo Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I was there in the p**sing rain, getting wet under the leakiest part of the St Mary's roof at the Chapel end when he scored that screamer against Norwich. Just wanted to say myself thanks for his part in our journey these last couple of years. He scored some vital goals. I hope he finds another club should he choose to continue playing, as he'd do well for many teams.
SNSUN Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 Good enough to find another team, if he can stay fit, but not sure anyone will want him because of his injury record. God speed and thanks Dave.
Gemmel Posted 19 May, 2012 Posted 19 May, 2012 I would say thanks..but I doubt he reads this place How to make yourself, look like a t w a t in 11 words by the delldays
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