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James Connolly (footballer)
James Alfred Connolly (born 2 November 2001) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a central defender for EFL League Two club Crewe Alexandra. He is a former Wales under-21 international. Club careerEarly careerConnolly 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] Connolly was retained by the club ahead of the 2022–23 season.[5] Bristol RoversOn 8 January 2022, Connolly joined League Two side Bristol Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8] 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.[9] Connolly's first season in professional football ended in success as Rovers were promoted on the final day of the season, a 7–0 victory moving Bristol Rovers into third place, beating Northampton Town to automatic promotion on goals scored.[10] He re-joined Bristol Rovers on a permanent deal, transferring for an undisclosed sum, in June 2022, signing a three-year contract.[11] On 6 August 2022, Connolly scored his first goal since returning to the club on a permanent basis with the second in a 4–0 thrashing of Burton Albion.[12] On 27 August 2022, it was revealed that Connolly had suffered a stress fracture in his back that would see him out of action for a 'long period'.[13] On 29 October, Connolly made his return to first-team football as a substitute in a 4–2 defeat at Derby County.[14] On 31 August 2023, Connolly joined League Two club Morecambe on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season.[15] He was recalled by his parent club on 3 January 2024.[16] Crewe AlexandraOn 1 August 2024, Connolly joined League Two side Crewe Alexandra on a two-year deal.[17] He made his debut in the side's league 1–0 defeat away at Barrow.[18] In January 2025, Connolly suffered a torn hamstring in Crewe's 4–1 win over Bromley, ruling him out of the first team for a few weeks.[19] International careerIn May 2022, Connolly was called up to the Wales U21 team for the first time for the final 2023 U21 European Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands and Gibraltar.[20] Connolly made his debut in the latter of these matches as Wales won 2–0.[21] Career statistics
HonoursBristol Rovers
References
External links
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