Connolly exits Crewe after rejecting new deal

Central defender James Connolly has left Crewe Alexandra after turning down the League Two club’s offer of a new contract.

The 24-year-old Welshman has been considering his future at the Mornflake Stadium for several weeks but has decided to move on after two seasons.

Connolly joined the Railwaymen from Bristol Rovers for the start of 2024-25 and went on to make 71 appearances and score three goals.

He was among seven players offered new deals at the end of last season, but the club said he has chosen to leave “in search of a new challenge”.

Lewis Billington, Stan Dancey, Luca Moore and Fin Roberts are the others still to sort their futures out after Conor Thomas agreed a new one-year contract two weeks ago.