John Connolly, born Barrhead, Scotland, June 13, 1950. A superbly skillful and entertaining winger with a keen eye for scoring goals as well, John Connolly was a player whose legacy remains etched in the memories of fans from St Johnstone to Everton, Birmingham City, Newcastle Unitedd, Hibernian, and beyond.
John Connolly began his career at St Johnstone, a club that had long been known for giving young Scottish players the platform to shine. Connolly made his debut for the Saints in 1968, quickly establishing himself as a player to watch. His pace and ability to drive down the wings caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, and it wasn’t long before he became a key figure in the St Johnstone side. Moreover, Connolly’s performances in Scotland’s top flight were essential in helping the club reach new heights. In particular, the club’s European campaign in the 1971-72 season saw them battle their way to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, an achievement that remains a high point in the club’s history. Connolly’s contributions in these matches were invaluable, as he showcased his ability to perform on the bigger stage. His outstanding performances in Perth did not go unnoticed, and by 1972, Connolly had earned a move south of the border to one of the biggest clubs in England—Everton. Connolly’s move to Everton in 1972 was undoubtedly a significant step in his career. Everton, a club steeped in history and competing at the highest level in English football, offered Connolly the chance to showcase his skills on a larger platform. The transfer fee of £75,000 was a considerable sum at the time, demonstrating the high regard in which Connolly was held. At Everton, Connolly was tasked with bringing his wing play to a side that was known for its attacking prowess. Yet, it was a team in transition, having won the league in 1970 but struggling to maintain consistency in the seasons that followed. Connolly brought energy and an additional dimension to their play. He featured prominently throughout his time at Goodison Park, contributing both goals and assists as he adapted to the rigors of English football.
Nevertheless, Connolly’s time at Everton wasn’t without its challenges. While his ability on the ball was undeniable, the weight of expectations at a club like Everton can be demanding, especially when a team isn’t firing on all cylinders. Nevertheless, Connolly’s professionalism and work rate ensured he remained a valuable asset during his tenure. Despite flashes of brilliance, Connolly’s time with the Toffees came to an end in 1976 when he transferred to Birmingham City. Birmingham City, eager to bolster their squad, acquired Connolly in 1976. At St Andrew’s, Connolly continued to display his versatility and work ethic. Playing across the midfield and wings, he was a reliable presence for the club, one that they could count on both in attack and tracking back defensively. The demands of English football during this period were as physical as ever, but Connolly proved himself capable of handling this challenge. However, his time with Birmingham was relatively short-lived. In 1977, Connolly made the switch to Newcastle United, another historic club where footballing passion runs deep. At Newcastle, Connolly joined a side filled with promise but also one struggling for consistency. His time at St James’ Park was marked by hard-fought campaigns as the Magpies battled through the complexities of top-flight football. While Connolly didn’t make headlines as frequently at Newcastle as he had earlier in his career, he was still recognized for his professionalism and ability to influence matches. His versatility on the field meant that Newcastle could utilize him in a variety of roles, and he adapted to the needs of the team without hesitation.
By 1979, Connolly returned to Scotland to play for Hibernian, one of the most historic clubs in the Scottish game. Hibs, based in Edinburgh, provided Connolly with a familiar environment in which to reassert himself. Back in the Scottish game, Connolly rediscovered the kind of football that had initially made him a star at St Johnstone. Hibernian was a team that appreciated the value of wingers, and Connolly’s experience and skills were an asset. His time in Edinburgh, though perhaps not as illustrious as earlier stages of his career, allowed him to contribute significantly to Hibs’ campaigns. Moreover, playing in Scotland again allowed Connolly to connect with the footballing culture that had shaped his career. By this time, he was a seasoned professional, respected by fans for his contributions on both sides of the border. As Connolly’s professional career in top-tier football began to wind down, he found himself continuing to play in the lower leagues, with clubs like Gateshead and Blyth Spartans. In many ways, this stage of his career allowed Connolly to give back to the game that had given him so much. Though he was no longer playing in front of tens of thousands of fans, Connolly’s passion for the sport never diminished. His time at these clubs, though more low-profile, was marked by the same professionalism and commitment that had defined his time at larger clubs.
John Connolly also earned international recognition during his career, being capped by Scotland in 1971. Representing one’s country is one of the highest honors in football, and Connolly’s achievement highlighted the impact he had made during his time at St Johnstone and later clubs. Though his international career was brief, it remains a testament to his skill and ability during the peak years of his footballing journey. John Connolly’s career was one of adaptability, versatility, and commitment to the game. From his early days at St Johnstone, where he first made his name, to the heights of English football with Everton, Birmingham City, and Newcastle United, Connolly proved himself as a dependable and talented winger. His return to Scotland with Hibernian and his contributions to lower-league sides like Gateshead and Blyth Spartans further demonstrated his love for the game and his willingness to continue playing, even as his top-flight career began to fade. Moreover, his international caps for Scotland cemented his place among the notable footballers of his era. Connolly’s legacy remains one of perseverance, adaptability, and professionalism—traits that made him a fan favorite at every club he represented. His story stands as a reminder of the important role Scottish players played in both Scottish and English football during the golden age of British football. John Connolly Playing Career: St Johnstone, Everton, Birmingham City, Newcastle United, Hibernian, Gateshead, Blyth Spartans, Gateshead.