Connolly: Great to be back at Pompey

The former Republic of Ireland international finds himself preparing to turn out in League Two for the first time in his career.

That is after signing a two-year deal to remain at Fratton Park yesterday.

It represents the lowest rung on the Football League ladder for Connolly, who has scored goals aplenty in the Premier League.

Yet for the 35-year-old striker, the lure of playing for Guy Whittingham and the Blues once again ensured League Two football did not matter.

And Connolly is relishing turning out again for the club where he became such a big favourite last season.

He said: ‘I haven’t played at this level before.

‘You know, sometimes you sign for a club and the league they are in is irrelevant.

‘Whether I thought I would ever be playing in League Two, I don’t know. I haven’t got an ego so it doesn’t matter.

‘I am not too fussed about playing at this level. It’s more the people in charge and the actual club.

‘They are good people in charge here – the manager, the people behind the scenes. It’s a good club and the fact is it is in League Two.

‘Okay, you might not want to play in League Two, you might think you should be in League One and playing at a better level or whatever.

‘But sometimes you go to clubs because you either want to sign for the manager or play for that club.

‘This was a case of people in charge and the club getting me here.

‘There might be other teams in League One – but I am not sure they will be as good a club as Portsmouth.

‘It’s good to have ambition but you can still have ambition within where we are.’

The News understands Connolly’s contract can be ripped up at any time if he is injured for 10 successive weeks.

They were terms stipulated by the 35-year-old himself, eager to prove he is not motivated by money.

The deal also involves the ex-Southampton player assisting in coaching youngsters on occasions. His signing, as revealed by The News yesterday, has received a tremendous reception from the Fratton faithful.

And Connolly senses there could be a special adventure ahead for all.

He added: ‘It will be tough to go up, for sure, but you start off as part of something.

‘That is quite tangible, you can feel it, you can smell it. You could go somewhere else and that might not be the case.

‘You feel maybe this is the beginning of a new era.

‘It will be a transitional period again, like last season every month when there would be new players.

‘But it has been done early and hopefully a team will be formed out of the new players.’