Background
Kelly was born in Sandbach and played for local side Sandbach Ramblers before he joined Stoke in 1923.
Kelly was born in Sandbach and played for local side Sandbach Ramblers before he joined Stoke in 1923.
He made his debut for Stoke in the Potteries derby against Portuguese Vale at the Victoria Ground on 6 October 1923. He was used as back up behind regular inside forward Harry Davies, and played nine matches during the 1923-1924 season scoring once against Southampton. He was more involved in the next season playing seventeen matches scoring four goals but Stoke had a poor performance in the Second Division and were almost relegated.
Kelly was released by Stoke in 1926 and joined Tranmere Rovers.