Joe Connelly

Cowdenbeath FC was saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of former player Joe Connelly at the weekend. Joe lived in Newmills and was often to be seen out on his bike - he was a fit 72 year old.

Joe, of course, originally hailed from Valleyfield and he was the older brother of Celtic and Scotland star George Connelly. Big Josie was a miner and played for the local junior side Valleyfield Colliery. He played as a trialist for Forfar before having a short spell with East Stirlingshire. After returning to Valleyfield Colliery, Archie Robertson signed Joe for Cowden early in season 1967/68. Joe was Cowdenbeath's top scorer that season but was released at the end of the campaign. Joe was 6 foot 2 inches tall as befits a centre forward. He was a little on the slow side but was very clever with the ball at his feet - "Nutmeg Joe' his Cowden team-mates called him. After leaving Central Park, he scored goals regularly back in the juniors with Valleyfield, Oakley United and Jubilee Athletic.

Sincere condolences from everyone at Central Park go out to Joe's family and friends.