Connelly qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1993 and began his football career at his local side Hallam before Stockport County manager Danny Bergara offered him a professional contract at the club, one that he accepted on finishing his degree in physiotherapy.
The defender played under four different managers during his nine-year stay at Stockport – Bergara, Dave Jones, Gary Megson and Andy Kilner.
However, he struggled to hold down a regular first team place during the following season at Molineux and was allowed to join Tranmere Rovers in October 2002.
He quickly established himself at Tranmere and was a regular for two years before manager Brian Little decided against offering him a new contract, whereupon he moved to Rushden & Diamonds, where he finished his playing career.
[4] After leaving Rushden & Diamonds he linked up with Dave Jones again, this time as physio at Cardiff City,[5] turning down offers to continue playing in order to take the job.