Position: Defender
Number: 6
Born: November 1, 1956
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Rowdies Debut: 1975
Mike Connell is the Rowdies’ all-time appearances leader, with a total of 277 appearances for the Green & Gold. Connell made his professional debut at 16 years old for Rangers FC in his hometown Johannesburg, South Africa. Four years later, Connell joined the Rowdies and remained under contract with the Rowdies for the club’s entire run in the original North American Soccer League from 1978-1984, only missing the 1976 season while he fulfilled his military obligation in South Africa. Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Connell holds the record for consecutive regular-season starts in the NASL (179). Connell was a starting defender for the Rowdies in the club’s 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers in the 1975 NASL Soccer Bowl Final. The stalwart defender went on to lead the Rowdies to appearances in the 1978 and 1979 Soccer Bowl Finals.
