Southampton striker David Connolly has penned a contract extension at the club.
Irishman stays on for another season
Southampton striker David Connolly has penned a contract extension at the club.
Connolly has signed a new deal which will see him remain at the St Mary's Stadium until the end of next season.
The 33-year-old's original terms came to an end at the close of the last campaign but manager Alan Pardew has moved to renew the player's ties at the club.
Connolly linked up with the Saints in October last year and went on to net seven goals in 20 appearances as Pardew's side mounted a play-off push.
And the Irishman is hoping the club can go further this time out by making the top six in League One after signing a contract that left him delighted to be staying put on the South Coast.
Connolly told the club's
official website: "I spoke to the club at the end of the season and then went away on a coaching course and away on holiday and then before you know it we are at the end of June.
"I was very relaxed about it as I had spoken to the club and it was then just a case of sorting out something that was suitable for both of us.
Baby steps
"The club has a lot going for it and a lot of good people round here. It's going to be a really good season and I can't wait to get started.
"There are a lot of good people here and is being led well by the chairman, so I was quite relaxed about it all. I haven't used an agent, it was just sorted out between the chairman and myself."
Southampton are widely expected to launch a promotion challenge this campaign after impressing under Pardew during the last campaign.
The former Charlton boss - with the help of new owners of the club - has brought stability to the ex-Premier League outfit, who finished seventh in 2009/10 in the third tier.
Pardew also guided his charges to glory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and Connolly feels the elements are in place to try for a place in the Championship.
"Hopefully we can now go on and have a good season," added Connolly. "I want to be able to help the team and contribute to a good season.
"It will be a challenging season and I think it is great to be in a position where you are part of a challenging season.
"It's going to be a good test for everyone to see where we can go and I am looking forward to that.
"Everyone knows where the club wants to be, and that's the goal, but it's the little baby steps that get you there."
