Simon Kelly
Simon Kelly (b. 4 July 1984) is an Irish football player who currently plays with Dundalk. He has also played for Ballymena United.
Football Career
Simon Kelly is a midfielder. He began his career with Dundalk as youth and broke into the first team during the 2002/03 season. In 2006, he moved across the border to join Ballymena United. In 2008, he returned to Dundalk.
Dundalk
Kelly signed for Dundalk in 2002. He made just one first team appearance during the 2002/03 season. The following season, the 2003 campaign, he was a more important part of the squad. However, the 2002/03 and 2003 seasons are considered the worst in Dundalk's history as they finished in low positions in the First Division. The 2004 season was also poor for Dundalk but Kelly shined. He scored five goals from midfield and was considered one of the few star performers for Dundalk that season. The 2005 season was another poor season for Dundalk and Kelly was not as influential as he was the previous season. The 2006 season saw Dundalk finish second in the First Division. Following this, they beat Waterford United in the promotion/relegation play-off but were not promoted due to FAI regulations. Kelly left Dundalk after this and moved north of the border to join Irish Premier League side Ballymena United. During his first spell at Dundalk, Kelly played under three managers, Trevor Anderson, Jim Gannon and John Gill
Ballymena United
Kelly signed for Ballymena United in 2006. He scored one goal in 28 appearances during his time at the Northern Irish club. He returned to Dundalk in 2008 after John Gill persuaded him to return to Oriel Park.
Dundalk
In July 2008, Kelly returned to Dundalk. He made eight appearances and scored one goal as Dundalk won the 2008 First Division title and gained promotion to the Premier Division. In January 2009, Kelly was one of only four players kept on by new Dundalk manager Sean Connor, the others being Chris Bennion, Shane Grimes and Tiernan Mulvenna.
Honours
- League of Ireland First Division: 1
- Dundalk - 2008