What are people on here's views on Connolly's new contract? IMO he should definatley get one, he clearly has experience at champ level and would be a massive asset. One of my fav players and would say he can be as good as barnard on his day. Thoughts?
There's no justice in the world if he isn't offered one. Class on the pitch. Class off the pitch - amid the celebrations he made sure he clapped the Plymouth fans off yesterday. Brilliant.
He's 34 in a couple of weeks Just a couple of years younger than Jaidi. In footballing terms he is getting on a bit for the championship. I can't see them keeping Jaidi although they might keep Connolly as back up, although it has to be doubtful. They have to be earnestly planning for stage two.....so they have to be looking for Premier experience targets. Is there any talent that would interest us on any of the likely relegation teams from the premier or championship?
I really hope he gets a contract. He has been fantastic in the last few games and he has plenty of championship experience.
As an "impact" substitute he may be worth another year. You need a bit of experience in the Championship, and Lambert and Barnard have never played above League One level. Thinking about it, just about every other member of the first team has at least played in the Championship. Not sure if Dickson has. Don't know what point I've been making here, but make of it what you will.
He may be 34 but with the likelihood of getting a few games at least and being a bench warmer he could be a very valuable asset. He has undoubted class and even in the Championship can open up a defence with his clever runs. He can also help the younger players by letting them simply watch and at times work with him.
Added to that is the fact that apart from showing our players how to make some telling runs he can show them how to behave.
I really cant see him being given a contract, dont think he could cut it in the Championship based on his fitness alone as he had somewhat of injury spell all season.
Quote:"He's 34 in a couple of weeks Just a couple of years younger than Jaidi. In footballing terms he is getting on a bit for the championship" Kevin Phillips is 38 in July and still playing in the Prem, so Connolly's age alone might not be the deciding factor. His reliability is what will determine any contract extension I would have thought.
Now that is a fair comment.... and Kevin is still scoring goals......as you say a good bench or impact player. Food for thought. His injury problem is his down fall.......... That's the difference between Phillips and Connolly, Phillips hasn't been out for long periods of time. Where as Connolly has had a lot of long lay offs over the last 5/6 years. I think too, it just might be that, that goes against him. We will have to wait and see.
It all depends if they believe his problems are behind him. He certainly looks fit (he says he's the fittest in the team!). He has the experience. In fact, they used him for a demonstration on how to make space on the LateKickOff show last night (when he set up Lallana's goal). I think he's worth a limited contract.
On the face of it, it doesn't appear to be an easy decision but maybe Nige has seen enough to convince him to take a chance. I think I'd be right in saying that we all love Barney's attitude but IMO if you had to choose between him and a fit Connolly, DC would get the vote. It's just how much of a gamble it is on Connolly's fitness holding up.
