Now he’s back, and it doesn’t take long to realise this wasn’t a difficult decision. In Connor’s mind, returning to Newport had been on the cards for a while.

“I’d been speaking to some of the lads I’m still really close with about coming back,” he said. “I guess that filtered through to Butch by the end of the season, so there wasn’t much of a conversation needed. It just felt like the right time. I definitely felt there was some unfinished business.”

For Connor, Newport has never really stopped feeling like home.

Having first joined the club as a 12-year-old, he says he understands what Newport is all about and what it expects from its players. The chance to work again with Joe Butcher, Steve Bougham and Gary Streeter also played a big part.

“There aren’t many people in football I respect more than Butch, Broughy and Streeter,” he said. “Coming back was always in the back of my mind.”

Since his first spell with the Port, Connor has gained plenty of experience at other clubs. Like most players, not every move has gone exactly to plan, but he has no regrets.

“I’ve learnt a lot and grown as a player. Some things worked out better than others, but that’s football. I don’t regret any of it.”

Supporters can expect a familiar player, but one who believes experience has made him better.

“I’m still very similar to the player I was before, just with more experience. Hopefully there’ll be more goals, more assists and a few more big moments. As you get older, you understand the game differently and I want to help the younger players just like people helped me.”

Although he hasn’t yet had the chance to spend much time with the squad because of where he’s currently living, he already knows many of the players well.

“A lot of the lads I’m still really close with from before, or I’ve played with or against them over the years. I know what a great group this is. Playing against Newport in last year’s Gold Cup semi-final also showed me how together they are, so it’s good to be part of it.”

Connor admits he came close to re-signing a year earlier, but this summer everything fell into place.

“I’d played with Butch for eight years, so he knows me better than a lot of people. He knows how to get the best out of me and what I can bring to the team. That’s a big reason why I signed. Being able to play every week with some of your best mates isn’t bad either.”

The club’s new home also added to the excitement.

“To finally have a home is what Newport should have had nearly 10 years ago. It’s a great foundation to build on and hopefully it helps get the club back into the Wessex Premier.”

One thing Connor hasn’t forgotten is the support Newport receives.

“I’m really excited to play in front of the fans again and hopefully score a few goals for them. In my opinion, they’re the best fans on the Island. I’ll never forget going to Andover New Street for that promotion game. We won 3-2 and it honestly felt like a home match.”

As for his own ambitions, Connor isn’t someone who likes making bold promises.

“I just want as many goals and assists as possible. I’ve never scored 30 goals in a season, so that would be nice. I’d also love to get as close as I can to Newport’s goalscoring record. That’s always in the back of my mind.”

Looking at the squad, he believes there is every reason to be optimistic.

“Butch has built a really good mix of experience, young players, match winners and leaders. We’ve got every chance of doing something special.”

When asked about his favourite football memory, Connor didn’t hesitate.

“It has to be the Island Games in 2023. Knocking out the hosts in front of more than 1,500 people and then winning the bronze medal was an incredible feeling. Sharing it with that group of lads made it even better.”

Supporters will also remember one particular strike in Newport colours, and it’s the same goal Connor looks back on most fondly.

“The volley against Cowes in the Gold Cup Final. I just remember the ball dropping over the top and hitting it first time. I knew it was going in. It made it 3-1 and pretty much finished the game.”

Looking back on his first spell at the club, there is one thing he now appreciates even more.

“The volunteers and everyone who makes matchdays happen. You don’t always realise how much they do until you leave. I always appreciated Newport, but you only get one career and I had to make the decisions that were right for me.”

Connor believes he can bring more than goals this time around.

“I’d like to think I can bring experience, leadership and quality in the final third. Off the pitch, I’m just one of the lads. I like having a laugh and helping keep the group together.”

And if a Newport supporter wants to know what they’ll get from Connor Kelly this season, his answer is simple.

“Someone who’ll give 100% for the Port and do everything I can to help make this season a successful one.”

For Newport supporters, those are exactly the sort of words they’ll want to hear.