Aaron Connolly agrees two-year contract with Leyton Orient

The Galway man said Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens was the "main factor" in him joining the club. 

Aaron Connolly was a free agent after being released by Millwall. Pic: Jessica Hornby/PA Wire.

Ireland international Aaron Connolly has penned a two-year contract with English League One club Leyton Orient.

The Galway native was a free agent following his recent release from Millwall, where he scored once in 14 Championship games after joining in January from fellow Championship outfit Sunderland.

Nine-times capped Connolly burst onto the Premier League scene with Brighton and Hove Albion by scoring a brace against Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.

Maintaining that trajectory was a struggle and it was only last October when the 25-year-old revealed his battle with alcoholism.

He had spells with Italian side Venezia, Middlesbrough and Hull City and this will be his first time operating in League One since being a loanee at Luton Town before his breakthrough at Brighton and Hove Albion.

"I'm delighted to be here, and the Gaffer was a main factor in me coming here," Connolly told the club website.

"I know the club just missed out on promotion last year, but we're hoping to go one better this year."

Manager of the London side, 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."