Kelly Signs

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that Stephen Kelly has joined the Club from Birmingham City on a three year deal effective from July 1st. Stephen’s contract will see him at Fulham until the summer of 2012.

The 25-year-old right back joined Tottenham Hotspur’s Youth Team aged 16 and made his first team debut for Spurs in 2003. He went on to make 37 appearances for Tottenham and had brief loan spells at Southend United, Queens Park Rangers and Watford before securing a move to Birmingham City in the summer of 2006.

Kelly made 79 appearances for Birmingham City which included playing every minute of every game in their 2007-08 Premier League campaign. He joined Stoke City on loan in February this year.

He has also impressed on the international scene and has made 14 appearances for the Republic of Ireland since 2006 after showing good form for their Under 21 side between 2003 and 2005.

Speaking about his move back to the Capital, Stephen Kelly said:

‘I’m happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised today and look forward to meeting with the rest of the team for pre-season preparations in July.

"I have spoken to the manager about plans for next season and I’m delighted to have joined a progressive Club which has recently achieved its highest ever top-flight finish. I am also looking forward to being part of a strong squad for next season’s Premier League and Europa League competitions."

Roy Hodgson added:

"I am delighted that Stephen has become our first signing of the summer transfer window. He is a talented young full back with experience of playing in the Premier League as well as competing at international level. He will be a useful addition as we look to improve our squad ahead of the start of next season and I am hopeful that we will be able to announce further additions in the coming weeks."