Gary Kelly

Oldham Athletic Oldham Athletic manager, Graeme Sharp, came in for Kelly's services in 1996, and he went on to make 225 league appearances over seven years for the Latics. Kelly swept the boards in the club's Player of the Year awards in 1997.

Later career Kelly joined Neil Warnock's Sheffield United in 2003 reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup before losing 1–0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford. He also reached the 2003 Football League First Division play-off final eventually losing to 3–0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Kelly later signed for Conference National clubs Northwich Victoria and Leigh RMI where he was player assistant manager.

International career Kelly played for the Ireland U19 national team that qualified for the 1983 UEFA European Under-18 Football Championships where despite remaining unbeaten in a group that included eventual winners, France, they were eliminated. Kelly also played in the 1984 UEFA European Under-18 Championship in Russia. Ireland won their group stage before losing the semifinal 2–1 against hosts Russia in front of a 40,000 crowd in Dynamo Stadium, Moscow. Ireland lost the third place playoff 2–1 to Poland in front of a 60,000 crowd at the Lenin Stadium, Moscow. Kelly was voted goalkeeper of the tournament by legendary Russian goalkeeper Lev Yashin.

Ireland's exploits earned them a qualification for the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championships in Russia and a first UEFA medal but Kelly was refused permission to be released by his club Newcastle United. Kelly played in the first three games of the 1986 UEFA European Under-18 Football Championship qualification campaign, as Ireland topped the group before new UEFA age restrictions ruled him out of the remaining tournament.

Kelly made his Ireland U-21 debut in a friendly in 1985 against England at Fratton Park and played in the 1988 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualifiers. He also played in the Toulon Tournament in 1989 not conceding in any of his three games including saving a penalty against hosts France B in a 1–0 playoff win.

Kelly played at Ireland Under 23 level for Ireland in a 3–0 win over Northern Ireland in 1989. He was also selected for Ireland at 'B' level on several occasions, playing in a 4–1 win over England in 1990 at Turners Cross, Cork in front of a 10,000 crowd. This remains England's heaviest defeat at 'B' level.

Kelly was selected to represent the full squad on ten occasions, never once tasting defeat. He was on standby for the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cup Finals as Jack Charlton went with an extra outfield player instead of the regulation three goalkeepers in his 22-man squad. His last selection was for the Euro 2000 Championship Play Off 2nd leg against Turkey in Bursa in which Republic of Ireland drew 0–0. He was called up to provide cover for Dean Kiely, after his brother was injured in the first leg.

Personal life His father, Alan Kelly Sr. and brother, Alan Kelly Jr., were also goalkeepers who played for the Republic of Ireland at the fully international level.

Kelly played Masters Football for Newcastle United winning the Northern Masters in 2003 and 2007 where he was voted player of the tournament. He was also runner up in the Dubai Masters in 2006 losing 1–0 to Liverpool in the final. Kelly achieved his UEFA 'A' Coaching License and UEFA Goalkeeping License in 2007.

Honours Individual PFA Team of the Year: 1994–95 Third Division