Connell to Join Swindon

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 16/07/2011

ALAN Connell looks set to leave Grimsby after the Mariners have agreed a transfer of Town's 29-goal striker so Swindon for a "six figure sum". Several sides had tried to buy the former Cherry, including Stevenage, AFC Wimbledon, Scunthorpe and Gillingham but all were turned down until County upped the ante.

Connell, who had a year left on his contract at Blundell Park, scored 29 goals last season for Grimsby during their first disappointing season in the Conference. His achievements were the only notable success during the campaign for the Mariners, and he was probably the only player that every Grimsby fan wanted to see stay at the club.

Swindon recently tried to buy Dover's Adam Birchall, but were pipped to the striker's signature by League-two rivals Gillingham. County have now turned to their second choice Connell, who has League Two experience with Bournemouth.

Grimsby are due to play their first pre-season friendly today against Rotherham, and will have to do so without their talisman.

Grim Rob Says: It is obviously very disappointing to lose Connell and our slim chances of promotion from this division look even slimmer now. I'd like to know how much the "six figure sum" is. Personally I'd be very disappointed if it was anything less than £250K. However if Connell's heart was set on leaving the Mariners then I suppose it was inevitable that he would go. But it looks like we will be in the Blue Square leagues for some time to come even if all the proceeds are invested in new players....

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