St Johnstone sign new player Mark Connolly

Feb 5 2010

DEADLINE day recruit Mark Connolly leapt at the chance to advance his career in the SPL with St Johnstone.

The 18-year-old has a £1 million price on his head but he is more concerned about first-team football than the inflated world of Premiership transfer fees.

The highly-rated Republic of Ireland youth captain was caught up in a controversial tug of war as Bolton lured him from Wolves in the autumn.

It was ex-manager Gary Megson who sanctioned the seven-figure deal but his successor Owen Coyle sanctioned the loan move to Perth hours before the transfer window closed.

The former Saints manager was delighted to pave the way to Connolly’s switch after an approach by close friend and successor in the McDiarmid managerial office, Derek McInnes.

Connolly, who is available for tomorrow’s Active Nation Scottish Cup clash with Dundee United, said: “The gaffer, Owen Coyle, told me St Johnstone were interested in a loan and I didn’t have to think twice about it.

“It was all a bit of a rush but I trained with the lads on Tuesday. Hopefully I can do my bit to help the club and gain first-team experience at the same time.

“Owen thought it would be a good move and he talked highly of St Johnstone and Derek McInnes.

“They are good friends so I’m sure my Bolton gaffer will get plenty of reports on how I’m doing!”

The youngster’s last game was a reserve clash with Manchester United and while Old Trafford side featured a string of imports, Connolly is relishing the prospect of doing battle with SPL attackers, including fellow countryman Robbie Keane, who was also a Republic of Ireland skipper arriving on loan from the Premiership. That move commanded more column inches. Reflecting on that hefty transfer fee, Connolly stressed: “It had nothing to do with me and I don’t care if it was £1million or £100 million. Obviously Bolton were keen on me. They must have thought I had potential.

“There was a bit of hassle between the clubs but it had nothing to do with me. That’s what happens in the Premiership. I just concentrated on my football while all that was going on.

“It might turn the head of some young players but I’m an Irish lad and that won’t happen.

“I’ve been training and travelling with the Bolton squad over the last six months and we have some top class players.

“Scotland is new to me. It’s the first time I’ve been here. Back home plenty of folk are Celtic fans but I was an Arsenal supporter.”

Central defender Connolly can also play right-back and as a holding midfielder.

He said: “It’s another big cup game for the club and I’m ready to play if the manager wants me.”

Manager McInnes spotted Connolly while assessing another potential target during Megson’s reign at Bolton.

“We had spoken to Gary about the possibility of getting Mark in January. After Gary lost his job, Owen and Sandy Stewart have been very helpful.

“With Graham Gartland facing suspension, Kevin Rutkiewicz coming back from injury and Stuart McCluskey out for a few weeks, it’s good to get Mark in. He has a real hunger to prove himself.”

SAINTS’ Business Club has planned a busy 2010.

The club is building on the success of last year by welcoming members of the business community with St Johnstone allegiances to join-up.

First-up is an away day at the Hibs-St Johnstone SPL match at Easter Road on February 27.

The day out includes a two-course lunch at McDiarmid Park, bus to Easter Road and stop-off at the Mount Royal in Edinburgh for drink prior to bus travel home to Perth.

All this for a cost of £25 per head, excluding ticket. Details and membership forms are downloadable from www.saintsbusinessclub.co.uk

ST JOHNSTONE are holding their annual youth development fundraising dinner at the Lovat Hotel on March 19.

Top speakers Sandy Strang and Willie Allan provide the entertainment.

Tickets, priced £50, are available from 01738 459093 or at susan@perthsaints.co.uk