John Connolly, born Barrhead, Scotland, June 13, 1950. A superbly skilful 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 United, Hibernian, and beyond.
PART ONE
John Connolly started out his career at Scottish First Division St Johnstone, a club that had long been known for giving young Scottish players the platform to shine. He scored the winning goal on his debut for The Saints in a narrow 1-0 victory over already relegated Motherwell at Muirton Park on the 27th of April 1968 and quickly established 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 first team.
Connelly´s consistent and stellar performances in Scotland’s top flight were essential in helping the Perth club reach new heights. In particular, St Johnstone´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 long history of the club. Connolly’s contributions in these matches were invaluable, as he showcased his ability to perform on the bigger stage. His outstanding performances at St Johnstone did not go unnoticed, and by March 1972, he had earned a move south of the border to one of the biggest clubs in England—Everton.
John Connolly’s move to England at the back end of the 1971-72 season was undoubtedly a significant step in his playing 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 and he featured prominently throughout his stay at Goodison Park, contributing both goals and assists.
Nevertheless, John Connolly’s time with The Toffeemen 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. However, Connolly’s professionalism and work rate ensured he remained a valuable asset during his tenure. But despite flashes of brilliance, his stay at Everton eventually came to an end partly into the 1976-77 campaign when he was sold to Birmingham City for a fee of around £90,000.
He made his debut for Birmingham in a 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at St Andrew’s on the 11th of September and scored his first goal for The Brummies in a memorable 2-1 triumph against cross-town rivals Aston Villa before a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators at Villa Park the following week. 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, Connelly´s time with Birmingham was relatively short-lived as he was transferred to Newcastle United in the summer of 1978.
At Newcastle, Connolly joined a side filled with promise but also one struggling for consistency. The Magpies had suffered relegation from the First Division the previous season and his stay at St James’ Park was marked by hard-fought campaigns as Bill McGarry´s men sought to get themselves out of the Second Division. While the flanker 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 United could utilize him in a variety of roles, and he adapted to the needs of the team without hesitation.
PART TWO
By the summer of 1980, John Connolly returned to his native Scotland to play for Hibernian, one of the most historic clubs in the Scottish game. 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 his professional career in top-tier football eventually began to wind down, Connolly found himself continuing to play in the lower leagues, with smaller clubs such as Gateshead and Blyth Spartans. In many ways, this stage of his footballing life allowed him 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 supporters, his passion for the sport never diminished and his time at Gateshead and Blyth Spartans, though more low-profile, was marked by the same determination and discipline that had defined his time at bigger clubs like Everton, Birmingham and Newcastle.
John Connolly also earned international recognition during his career, being capped by Scotland in 1971. Representing one’s country is one of the highest honours 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.
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 Hiibs 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 players of his era.