BRAY WANDERERS WINGER Dylan Connolly says he never considered making the switch to Premier Division champions Dundalk.
The 21-year-old was heavily linked to Dundalk as a direct replacement for Preston-bound Daryl Horgan, but Connolly confirmed his commitment to Bray by signing a two-year contract with the club on Sunday.
Connolly says his heart lies with the Seagulls, who finished sixth last season, 31 points behind Dundalk.
“I loved my time down there this year,” he told 98FM’s Darren Cleary. “I probably played the best football of my life. I get on with the manager, I get on with the players. They’ve brought in three or four very good players.
“I’m excited. I just want to play where I’m happy.”
The club is expected to switch to full-time in 2017, with Gary McCabe, Aaron Greene and Keith Buckley all joining Connolly in signing up for next season.
When he was asked about Dundalk’s interest, Connolly says a move was “never” on the cards.
“They contacted Bray but it was nothing that interested me,” he said.
“I was talking to Bray the whole time, I knew I wanted to stay there the whole time. I went on holiday and came back and got things over the line with the manager and the board.
“I asked the club could I have a two-year deal just so I know for the next few years where I’m going to be, I have a young family so it’s good to have that stability for the next two years.
“(Bray manager) Harry (Kenny) is like a father figure to me, his man management is different class. As a player there’s nothing better when you have a manager you go and talk to.”
Connolly signed for Bray after being released from Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich at the beginning of last season. He enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring seven goals in 35 appearances.
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