Con contributes a poem – Connell’s Corner - regularly to each match-day programme. These poems focus on the elation and despair felt by every supporter as the season unfolds.

In taking on the role of Poet in Residence, his brief was that the poems should be as topical as possible, and accessible to fans of all ages. The poems describe events on and off the pitch, usually with a touch of humour.

Recent poems include a tribute to Ron Davies, a poem honouring Lawrie McMenemy’s freedom of the city, and what it feels like to be the wrong end of a 5-0 defeat.

Times Like These
 
We ask ourselves, at times like these,
‘What Football Gods did we displease?’
And ask ourselves ‘Who’d be a fan?
Who’d want the stress? Who’d understand?’

And ask how, having all the play
We give such simple goals away?
Or, knowing how we must attack,
We still play four across the back!

Our recent form’s all ups and downs
We play like heroes, then like clowns.
One minute it’s ‘How near the top?’
The next it’s ‘Let’s avoid the drop!’

At times like these, on days like this,
We yearn for Shearer or Le Tiss.
We blame the coach, at times like these
We blame the pitch, or referees.

Our hearts know what we might achieve
Our eyes see scores we can’t believe!
The team looks like it’s on the skids
And then, ‘Here come the come-back kids!’

At times like these we laugh and cry
And tell our mates ‘Don’t ask me why
We win, or lose, or sometimes draw!’
But next week we come back for more.