Former Hull City forward Aaron Connolly is excited for the future after joining Leyton Orient on a free transfer.
The Republic of Ireland international, who left the Tigers last summer, has penned a two-year deal with the O’s. Connolly departed Millwall in May after half a season at The Den where he scored once in 14 Championship matches after joining the London club from Sunderland in the January transfer window.
Connolly becomes Orient’s fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Killian Cahill, Demetri Mitchell, Michael Craig and Idris El Mizouni. The O’s came agonisingly close to securing promotion last term, losing to Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final.
Connolly, who kicked off his career at Brighton and Hove Albion, said: “I’m buzzing to be here. I met with the Gaffer last Monday, and straight away we both wanted to get it done.
“I’m delighted to be here, and the Gaffer was a main factor in me coming here. I know the club just missed out on promotion last year, but we’re hoping to go one better this year.”
It will be the first time the 25-year-old has played in League One since he was on loan at Luton Town in early 2019. Head coach Richie Wellens said: “I tried to sign Aaron when I was at Swindon a few years ago, but he then scored a hat-trick against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy. Everyone was in for him after that.
“He’s talented, quick, good on the ball and skilful. He’s got an eye for goal, and he scored twice on his Premier League debut for Brighton. The ability is all there, and when I met him recently I got a really good vibe off him. I sense that there is a burning desire for him to do well. If we can get Aaron firing, I have absolutely no doubt in his abilities.”
Director of football Martin Ling says Orient are “ecstatic” Connolly has decided to join their “project”, describing the player as an “excellent technical footballer”.
“He burst onto the scene when he was younger, and we know he has bags of natural ability. We’ve been on the hunt for a striker since the window opened, and Aaron fits the profile of what we were looking for to a tee.
“We’re really excited to have him at the club with us, and are looking forward to seeing what he can do in an Orient shirt.”
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