Stephen Kelly

Stephen Kelly became the Club’s first signing during the summer of 2009 when he joined on a free transfer from Birmingham City in June.

The 25-year-old comes to Craven Cottage with a wealth of experience, despite his relatively young age, and during the 2007-08 season he was the only outfield player to play every minute of every game for his club.

Predominantly an attack-minded right-back, Kelly can also cover in the centre and down the left, providing Fulham with plenty of versatile cover if required.

Kelly came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and made almost 40 Premier League appearances for the North London club where he was highly regarded, by fans and coaches.

However, in June 2006 he dropped down a division in search of regular first team football, joining Birmingham for £750,000 in a deal that proved more than intelligent, with Kelly one of the Blues’ key performers as they won promotion to the top-flight.

Hardworking, pacy and calm on the ball, the Dublin-born Republic of Ireland international spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke City and played a key role in the Potters’ impressive 12th place finish.

Out of contract at the start of the summer, Kelly returned to the capital and has been a regular in Roy Hodgson's Europa League starting eleven this season at left back. In recent months Kelly has featured more frequently in Roy Hodgson's League line-up with Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil ruled out through injury.

Fulham Record