Irish Striker Set To Move

By Ade O`Connor
July 20 2003

David Connolly, currently of Wimbledon FC, is set to move to either Nottingham Forest or Reading. The striker who scored 24 goals last season will be forced out by the administrators at Wimbledon, as they look to cut the wage bill and bring in some transfer revenue.

The Dons set the asking price for the Republic of Ireland international at £700,000, but may settle for £500,000, as neither Forest or Reading are prepared to bid more.

Connolly experienced a great deal of success in the English First Division last season, but has failed to find the move into the top flight that he so desired. Both Reading and Forest harbour ambitions of promotion, the Ireland striker could help them achieve this.

Republic of Ireland forward Connolly has experienced some unhappy spells at clubs in the past, falling out with the Feyenoord coach and being made to ply his trade with Dutch side Excelsior, with a great deal of success.

Now at the age of 26, he will be looking for a successful move, coming into the second half of his career.

Reading were the surprise package in the First Division last term, losing out to Wolves in the play-offs eventually. Over the summer, the Madejski Stadium club have looked to strengthen for another promotion push.

Meanwhile, Forest who also lost out in the play-offs, posses an impressive blend of youngsters including Ireland under 21 stars Andy Reid and John Thompson, Michael Dawson who trained with the England squad and young Scottish international Gareth Williams. Connolly would be seen as an experienced player amongst the ranks.

Both clubs will no doubt agree a fee with Wimbledon, it is then up to the player to decide where he plies his trade next season.