Gary Kelly

Who is Gary Kelly?

Gary Kelly is an Irish former professional football goalkeeper. He is the son of former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Alan Kelly, Sr..

Kelly began his career as an apprentice with Arthur Cox's Newcastle United in 1982 becoming boot boy to legendary former England captain and European Footballer of the Year Kevin Keegan. Kelly signed professional in 1984 as Jack Charlton took over as manager and as Newcastle United earned promotion to Division 1. Gary went on to win the F.A Youth Cup in 1985 beating Watford 4-1 on aggregate in a Paul Gascoigne inspired Newcastle United. In 1986, Kelly made his senior debut in a 1-0 win against Wimbledon at St James' Park, also going on to win the club's Young Player of the Year Award that season.

Gary made over fifty league appearances for the Magpies which included saving two penalties in one game against Chelsea. He also saved a penalty against Liverpool at Wembley to knock them out of the Football League Centenary Finals in 1988. In October 1988, he went on loan to Blackpool for a month, as stand-in for Barry Siddall.

In 1989, manager Jim Smith sold Kelly to Bury, with whom he spent the next seven years.