Walsall sign defender James Connolly after departure from League Two rivals
James Connolly has joined Walsall after leaving Crewe Alexandra.
Walsall have welcomed defender James Connolly as their fourth summer signing.
Connolly has signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third year in the club’s favour, following his departure from League Two rivals Crewe Alexandra.
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The centre-back made 45 appearances for Crewe last season, including 41 in League Two, and now links up with Lee Grant after rejecting a new contract with the Railwaymen.
Born in Liverpool, Connolly began his career at Blackburn Rovers, progressing through the academy before joining Cardiff City in 2021.
He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers during the latter stages of the 2021/22 season, helping the club secure promotion.
Connolly returned to the Memorial Stadium on a permanent basis, signing a three-year contract with the Gas. He went on to make a further 36 appearances before a loan move to Morecambe and a switch to Crewe Alexandra in August 2024.
The 24-year-old made 71 appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring three goals.
He was one of seven players offered a new contract at the end of last season, but Crewe announced on Monday that he had opted to leave “in search of a new challenge”.
Connolly now arrives at the Bescot Stadium as Walsall’s fourth signing of the summer, with preparations for the new season continuing under new head coach Lee Grant.
The defender has also represented Wales Under-21s, keeping a clean sheet on his international debut in June 2022.
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