Michael Kelly (footballer, born 1997)
Scottish footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael Eamon James Kelly (born 3 November 1997) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a defender for National league North club Chester, on loan from Boston United.
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michael Eamon James Kelly[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 3 November 1997 | ||
| Place of birth | Kilmarnock, Scotland | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.81 m)[2] | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team |
Chester (on loan from Boston United) | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2015 | Aberdeen | ||
| 2015–2016 | Leicester City | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2017 | Hurlford United | 11 | (0) |
| 2017–2021 | Bristol Rovers | 27 | (0) |
| 2017–2018 | → Bath City (loan) | 3 | (0) |
| 2021 | → Yeovil Town (loan) | 20 | (0) |
| 2021–2023 | Eastleigh | 58 | (2) |
| 2023–2025 | Scunthorpe United | 54 | (3) |
| 2025– | Boston United | 8 | (0) |
| 2026– | → Chester (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2011–2012 | Scotland U15 | 4 | (0) |
| 2011–2012 | Scotland U16 | 10 | (0) |
| 2013–2014 | Scotland U17 | 7 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 11:02, 14 January 2026 (UTC) | |||
Club career
Early career
Kelly started his career at Aberdeen before moving to Leicester City in 2015. He was then released and spent time playing for Scottish Junior League side Hurlford United.[3] In March 2017, he went on trial with Stoke City, playing twice for their under-23 side.[4]
Bristol Rovers
On 1 July 2017, Kelly signed for League One side Bristol Rovers.[5] In December 2017, he joined National League South side Bath City on loan and went on to make four appearances in all competitions.[6] On 7 April 2018, Kelly made his league debut for Bristol Rovers, playing the last 13 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Charlton Athletic.[7] In May 2020, Kelly signed a new contract with Rovers to extend his stay at the club for a further year.[8] Kelly's time at the club ended at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season when it was announced that his contract would not be being renewed.[9]
Yeovil Town (loan)
On 26 January 2021, Kelly joined National League side Yeovil Town on loan until the end of the 2020–21 season.[10] On 30 January, Kelly made his Yeovil debut, playing the entirety of a 3–1 victory over Dover Athletic.[11]
Eastleigh
On 29 June 2021, Kelly joined National League side Eastleigh on a permanent deal.[12] On 30 April 2022, Kelly scored a first senior goal with an equalising penalty in the eleventh minute of additional time to earn a 3–3 draw with King's Lynn Town.[13]
He was released by the club at the end of the 2022–23 season.[14]
Scunthorpe United
On 15 May 2023, he was announced to be joining recently relegated National League North club Scunthorpe United on a two-year deal upon the expiration of his Eastleigh contract.[15]
Boston United
On 11 June 2025, Kelly joined National League side Boston United on a two-year deal, reuniting with Pilgrims manager Graham Coughlan whom Kelly had played under at Bristol Rovers.[16]
Chester (On loan)
On 13 January 2026, Kelly joined National League North side Chester on loan until the end of the season. [17]
International career
Kelly has played for Scotland at under-15, under-16 and under-17 level.[18]
Career statistics
- As of end of 2022–23 season
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Hurlford United | 2016–17[19] | SJFA West Region Premiership | 11 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 0 | 17 | 0 | ||
| Bristol Rovers | 2017–18[20] | League One | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018–19[21] | League One | 21 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6[a] | 0 | 30 | 0 | |
| 2019–20[22] | League One | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4[a] | 0 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2020–21[23] | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 27 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 46 | 0 | ||
| Bath City (loan) | 2017–18[24] | National League South | 3 | 0 | — | — | 1[b] | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| Yeovil Town (loan) | 2020–21[23] | National League | 20 | 0 | — | — | — | 20 | 0 | |||
| Eastleigh | 2021–22[25] | National League | 30 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 2[b] | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| 2022–23[26] | National League | 27 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 30 | 1 | |||
| Total | 57 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 64 | 2 | ||
| Career total | 118 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 151 | 2 | ||
- Appearances in EFL Trophy
Honours
Scunthorpe United
- National League North play-offs: 2025[27]