“I KNEW I WANTED TO GO BACK”

James Connolly: I knew I wanted to go back to Rovers

James Connolly has opened up on his move from Cardiff City to Bristol Rovers.

The centre-back enjoyed a stellar loan spell with the Gas last year, helping Joey Barton's men clinch the unlikeliest promotions following an incredible second half of the season.

He returned to the Bluebirds ahead of pre-season but there always appeared to be a deal in the pipeline for him to move permanently back to the newly-promoted League One side and a deal was struck between the two teams last Friday.

And, speaking about the move, Connolly waxed lyrical about Rovers and is delighted to have made the move permanent.

"To be honest, I knew last season I wanted to come back," he said. "There were technical bits that had to be sorted, but I knew I wanted to come back, even before we went up, and that was the cherry on top of the cake for me."

The security of a three-year deal and the confidence Barton has placed in the former Blackburn Rovers prospect were hugely influential, with the 20-year-old sure he is in the best place to further his development after a breakthrough season.

"A few years here is what I wanted," he said. "I think I said last season it’s the best club I’ve been at, and I mean it. It’s great here, I love it with all the lads, everything about it, and I wanted to get down here permanently and get a few years here.

"I think it’s the best for me and the best for my development."

First run at first team football. And equally a successful season. Just what he needed to start his career. Good luck to the kid.

Hope we don't regret this,or at least have a percentage of next sale