Archie Kelly

Aberdeen

In December 1947, with Hearts struggling in the League, their manager Davie McLean moved to sign Aberdeen's Scottish international forward George Hamilton, with Archie Kelly and £8,000 going to Aberdeen in recompense. Despite playing only half a season for the Dons, Kelly finished the 1947–48 season as their top League scorer. The following season found Aberdeen battling against relegation and was also frustrating for Kelly on a personal level, as he struggled with a bad knee injury. Aberdeen's main problem was their porous defence; Motherwell eventually won 3–0, securing only their second national trophy. The side also reached the Scottish Cup final that year but succumbed 1–0 to Celtic.

Motherwell made amends for their Scottish Cup final disappointment the next season, defeating Dundee comprehensively by 4–0. Kelly scored the final goal in front of the biggest crowd ever recorded for a domestic club match not involving the Old Firm.

Later career

Surprisingly, Motherwell suffered their first ever relegation the following year, although in an incredibly tight competition they finished only five points behind fourth-placed Hearts. Kelly was one of several big-name players to leave the club, joining perennial yo-yo team Stirling Albion in 1953. He helped the Binos avoid relegation from the top division in 1953–54 before joining Second Division Ayr United in January 1955. He finished his career after a short stint with Cowdenbeath.