ALAN Connell says he will always be grateful to Grimsby Town ahead of his first return to Blundell Park next month.
The frontman will be back on his old stomping ground when the Mariners host Bradford City in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 23 (7.30pm).
Connell joined Town back in July 2010 and quickly became a hero with the home faithful, before leaving to join Swindon 12 months later – having scored 25 league goals that season.
Now with the Bantams, Connell says he 'can't wait' for the fixture to come around, admitting his return to a club that he still holds dear is long overdue.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "I'm really looking forward to coming back.
"I've not even been back to watch a game since I left – even though I mean to – so it will nice to finally be back at Blundell Park.
"I wanted to come up last season and watch a game, but never managed to make it because things kept clashing.
"It's handy that this friendly has been arranged really – this is the ideal opportunity."
Connell, pictured above right, is currently looking forward to a season in League One, following promotion with the Bantams last season.
In what was a stellar campaign at Valley Parade, he also tasted the thrill of a Wembley appearance when Phil Parkinson's men lost out to Premier League side Swansea City in the League Cup final.
And the striker says he will always be grateful for the opportunity Town gave him when at a 'crossroads' in his career, following his release by Bournemouth.
He explained: "Since I left Grimsby, I've had two pretty amazing years really and that wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for playing for Grimsby and the love that I received there.
"Before I joined Grimsby, I was at a bit of crossroads in my career and in my life as well really.
"But I went there and everyone was really, really good to me and I can't thank them enough – Grimsby will always be a club that I have a lot of fondness for.
"They showed me a lot of support and love – especially the fans – so it will be nice to go back there next month – I just hope I get a good reception!
"It will be a little bit strange coming back and going into the other dressing room but it will be good.
"It's a ground that holds a lot of good memories for me so it will be nice to be back."
Connell will not be the only one lining up against his old club with Town's ex-Bantams Ross Hannah, Joe Colbeck, Scott Neilson and new signing Scott Kerr all likely to play a part.
And the striker says that he's looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces once again.
He added: "I know a couple of lads there – obviously Ross is a good mate of mine from being at Bradford together and so I still get to know what's going on at the club through him.
"But even though there's been a big turnaround of players, I still know a fair few of them.
"I had a couple of weeks pre-season with the likes of Shaun Pearson, James McKeown and Craig Disley.
"I obviously played under the two managers for a little bit and have a lot of time for them so I'm looking forward to seeing them again."
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