When Daryl Horgan's transfer to Preston North End was confirmed during the week, it seemed inevitable that Dylan Connolly would make the trip up the east coast and put pen to paper with Dundalk. According to PFAI secretary, Stephen McGuinness, said that a record breaking €100,000 transfer was expected to materialise "within weeks".
Connolly spoke to 98fm in October as rumours began to circulate.
It's a difficult one. The phone has been ringing, I'm not going to lie.
I'd love to stay at Bray but let's be honest, money talks.
I've a family so we'll see what happens at Bray.
Few could argue that money certainly talks, especially in a league where financial security is very rarely guaranteed. It was expected that Dundalk's bank account would be the one speaking loudest.
However, the PFAI young player of the year has opted to stay at the Carlisle Grounds for the foreseeable future having signed a two-year contract with the club.
Delighted to have signed a new deal with @BrayWanderers looking forward to the season ahead pic.twitter.com/ZA100NRfGq
— Dylan Connolly (@dconnolly_95) December 18, 2016
We're are delighted to announce that @dconnolly_95 has signed a new 2 year contract with the club.https://t.co/b9yF6Pu8mc pic.twitter.com/lTCuqRCXqv
— Bray Wanderers FC (@BrayWanderers) December 18, 2016
Since returning from a spell at Ipswich Town, Connolly has recaptured the form which had him on Mick McCarthy's radar in the first place. The Republic of Ireland U21 international admitted that he desired to test himself on the European stage sooner rather than later which makes his decision to remain at Bray that bit more questionable.
Europe is a big attraction for me. I want to play in European football. Look at Dundalk and the recognition and publicity they get from playing in Europe. That’s the stage I want to be at.
I want to be in the same bracket as the Horgan’s and the Maguire’s. Maybe because I’m at Bray I won’t get that recognition. People think that it’s only Bray and that’s just the way it is in this country. You have to play for Dundalk or Cork or Rovers to get big recognition. That’s the way it is and I can’t help it.
It will come as welcome news for Bray Wanderers supporters following the addition of Bohemians 2016 player of the season Keith Buckley who left north Dublin after six seasons at Dalymount Park.
As a result, Dundalk will have to look elsewhere after the sale of both Daryl Horgan and Darren Meenan to Preston and Shamrock Rovers respectively. Manager, Stephen Kenny was asked about the matter on Newstalk's Off The Ball earlier this afternoon to which he had no comment.
