Connor Essam

Connor Essam (born 9 July 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Dartford.

Club Career

Gillingham

Born in Chatham, Kent, Essam joined Gillingham in January 2002 and progressed through the ranks of the youth team and also captained the side. In March 2010, Essam was awarded his first professional contract along with Dean Rance and Charlie Stimson. He was sent out to Conference South side Bishop's Stortford in October 2010 on an initial one-month loan which was later extended. Later on in the season he joined Dover Athletic on loan in the same division. His contract was extended by a year in May 2011. In August 2011, Essam rejoined Bishop's Stortford of the Conference North on a one-month loan deal along with Dean Rance. He scored his first goal for the club on 29 August in a 5–0 win over Hinckley United. Essam joined Conference South outfit Dartford on loan in December 2011. He scored in the 4–1 away league win over Staines Town. Essam made his professional and Gillingham debut on 13 February 2012 in a 2–1 home defeat to Southend United. On 31 August 2012 Essam signed for Luton Town on a month-long loan, later extended for a second month. He returned to Gillingham on 2 November after making nine appearances for Luton, and was swiftly made available on a free transfer by Gillingham manager, Martin Allen.

Crawley Town

On 23 January 2013, Essam signed for Crawley Town of Football League One on a free transfer, with Gillingham retaining an interest by inserting a sell-on clause into the contract. In November 2013, Essam joined Conference Premier side Dartford on a one-month loan deal. Shortly into the 2013–14 season, he was released.

Dover Athletic

On 1 September 2014, Essam signed for Dover Athletic, on the same day as he was released by Crawley Town.

Leyton Orient

On 27 July 2015, it was announced that Essam signed for Football League Two side Leyton Orie