A MYSTERY backer has stepped in to allow Rhyl FC to retain one of their most popular players.
Midfielder Mark Connolly had been set to move to neighbours Colwyn Bay after agreeing terms amid concerns over Rhyl’s financial position, but the anonymous donor has come forward to ensure he can remain at the club for the coming months.
The growing financial concerns have followed the Christmas announcement of president and major club backer Peter Parry’s departure from Belle Vue, with key players George Horan, Lee Hunt and Greg Stones all leaving the club before the transfer window closed on Monday to help ease the financial burden.
Hunt, another celebrated figure at Belle Vue, has made the switch to local rivals Bangor City who Rhyl face on Sunday, while Stones has joined Colwyn Bay.
But Rhyl gave some cause for hope for their fans by making six new signings ahead of the deadline.
Centre half Philip Ojapah, 20, has been brought in on loan from Oldham Athletic along with Altrincham pair Andy Owens, a left-sided midfielder, and Andrew Pearson. Lee Ebdon, former Crewe defender Russell Courtney and winger Joe Dixon have also signed for the club.
The exact details of the financial deal to keep leading scorer Connolly, 25, at Belle Vue and become the club’s new vice captain to John Leah have not been released, but it comes just days after media reports indicated the Lilywhites players would not be paid for the final two months of the season unless they qualified for Europe. The backer is believed to have paid the player's wages for this spell of the season.
Senior officials at the Lilywhites did not wish to comment on the reports about the wages only being paid if the club achieved European qualification, but have this week indicated the matter may be resolved by the number of players heading
through the Grange Road exit door.
Dave Milner, managing director, said: “This is a very welcome gesture from the person who is putting this money in to keep Mark here. They are helping us with this deal only and we are obviously delighted Mark is staying.
“We are having to keep costs down. But we are hoping the players leaving before the transfer window closed will help us trim the wage budget and help us deal with the wage issues.
“We are looking to continue to compete at the top and are still in all the cup competitions, and will work on our budget for next season.”
Connolly, 25, has become synonymous with Rhyl since joining the Lilywhites almost five years ago. He had indicated in press reports he was leaving due to the wages issue to help support the impending birth of his first baby later this year, before the dramatic u-turn was performed at the weekend.
When Mr Parry announced his departure from Rhyl late last year, he said it was to focus on other interests outside football.