Reunited with manager Allen Batsford at Plough Lane in the summer of 1974, former Walton and Hendon man Roger Connell was to top the club's scoring charts for the next four seasons as the Dons were transformed from Southern League also rans to Football League newcomers. The big and burly north Londoner led the line bravely often having the bear the brunt of the crude treatment that was routinely dished out to forwards in those days.

He made his debut at Nuneaton Borough in August 1974 and went on to grab 26 goals in all competitions in what many judge the greatest season in the club's history. The next year he was on target nineteen times before netting eighteen goals in the club's final Southern League campaign. He scored on his Football League debut at home to Halifax Town and continued to lead the attack even after new boss Dario Gradi's New Year cull of the old guard of players.

Alan Cork scored an extra time winner on the night Connell made his final appearance for the club, against Gravesend in a 1978 FA Cup replay, and as the former Derby man's star began to rise 'Big Rog' slipped back into the non league game.

1973-1974 Walton & Hersham ? (?)
1974-1979 Wimbledon 147 (57)