*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:10, 21 October 2024 (UTC)
Connor Essam (born 9 July 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender.
Club career
Gillingham
Born in Chatham, Kent,[4] Essam joined Gillingham in January 2002 and progressed through the ranks of the youth team and also captained the side.[5] In March 2010, Essam was awarded his first professional contract along with Dean Rance and Charlie Stimson.[6] He was sent out to Conference South side Bishop's Stortford in October 2010 on an initial one-month loan which was later extended.[7] Later on in the season he joined Dover Athletic on loan in the same division.[8] His contract was extended by a year in May 2011.[9] In August 2011, Essam rejoined Bishop's Stortford of the Conference North on a one-month loan deal along with Dean Rance.[10] He scored his first goal for the club on 29 August in a 5–0 win over Hinckley United.[11] Essam joined Conference South outfit Dartford on loan in December 2011.[12] He scored in the 4–1 away league win over Staines Town.[13] Essam made his professional and Gillingham debut on 13 February 2012 in a 2–1 home defeat to Southend United.[14] On 31 August 2012 Essam signed for Luton Town on a month-long loan, later extended for a second month.[15][16] 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.
On 27 July 2015, it was announced that Essam signed for Football League Two side Leyton Orient on a one-year contract following a successful trial, despite Orient having not agreed to a transfer fee with Dover.[21][22] A transfer fee was agreed between the sides the following week.[22]
In March 2016, he returned to Dover Athletic on loan until the end of the season.[23]
In May 2016, he was released from Leyton Orient when it was announced that he would not be retained when his contract expired.[24]
Eastleigh
On 14 June 2016, Essam joined National League side Eastleigh on a one-year deal.[25] After only making five appearances in the space of a month, Essam joined Woking on a 93-day loan.[26] Two days later, Essam made his Woking debut in a 1–1 draw against Guiseley, playing the full 90 minutes.[27] However, just after a month into his loan spell with Woking, Essam was recalled by Eastleigh to cover an injury crisis.[28] After a short spell back at Eastleigh, Essam once again left the club on loan, this time returning to Dover Athletic on a deal for the remainder of the campaign.[29] Following a successful loan spell back at Dover, it was announced that Essam would leave Eastleigh in June 2017 upon the expiry of his current deal.[30]
Dover Athletic
On 20 June 2017, Essam joined Dover Athletic, returning to the Whites on a two-year deal.[31] He made his debut on the opening day in a 1–0 away victory to Hartlepool United.[32]
In November 2018, he joined Concord Rangers on loan until the end of the season.[33]
