COLCHESTER United summer signing Kien Connolly has joined Maldon and Tiptree on a season-long loan.
The 18-year-old forward, who joined the U's on a one-year deal in June following a successful trial period in the final weeks of last season, will spend the 2024-25 campaign with the Jammers.
Connolly is in line to make his Maldon debut in their FA Cup extra preliminary round replay against Stanway Rovers tonight.
He will link up with Colchester transition coach Dave Huzzey, who is in charge at the Pitching In Isthmian League division north club.
KIEN JOINS ON LOAN ✍️
— Maldon & Tiptree FC (@MaldonTiptreeFC) August 6, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the loan signing of Kien Conolly from @ColU_Official for the 2024/25 season!
The young forward is highly rated and is and exciting addition to our squad! Kien is also available for tonights match ⚡️
Welcome Kien 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Oe5X14RHsP
It was a connection between Connolly's former club Barking Abbey and Huzzey that played its part in the youngster signing for the U's.
Huzzey coached one of Connolly's former coaches at the non-league club, leading to the striker appearing on the U's radar.
Connolly is hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Samson Tovide and Bradley Ihionvien in eventually progressing from Colchester's academy set-up and breaking into the club's first team.
He was playing his football with Pitching In Isthmian League division north side Grays Athletic when he linked up with Colchester's academy on trial, last March.
In addition to Grays, forward Connolly has also played for Concord Rangers and Barking Abbey.
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