Gary Kelly

Gary Oliver Kelly was born on July 9, 1974, in Drogheda, Louth, Ireland. He began his football journey in youth clubs, playing for Drogheda United and Home Farm FC. Kelly’s professional career is most famously associated with Leeds United, where he established himself as a prominent defender. He joined Leeds United and remained with the club for 16 years, from 1992 until his retirement in 2007. During his time at Leeds, he became one of the few players outside of Don Revie’s era to exceed 500 appearances for the club, demonstrating remarkable longevity and commitment.

Throughout his career, Kelly was known for his consistent performances as a right-back, also occasionally playing as a right midfielder. He accumulated a total of 523 official appearances across various competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 17 assists. His career highlights include 325 appearances in the Premier League, 103 in the Championship, 31 in the FA Cup, 24 in the UEFA Cup, 23 in the EFL Cup, and 10 in the UEFA Champions League. Kelly’s dedication to Leeds United saw him through significant periods for the club, including their successful runs in domestic and European competitions.

After retiring from professional football on July 1, 2007, Kelly has remained connected to the sport and his former club. He has been involved in charity work, notably donating a significant amount to cancer support initiatives through the GK Cancer Support. His relatives, Ian Harte and Barry Kelly, also pursued careers in football, with both playing professionally. Kelly’s legacy at Leeds United is marked by his unwavering service and his status as a fan favorite.