Date of Birth:
6th September 1983
Height:
184cm
Place of Birth:
Dublin, Ireland
Weight:
82kg
Debut:
FK vetra (h) 6/08/09
Previous Clubs:
Tottenham, Southend United, Queens Park Rangers, Watford, Birmingham City, Stoke City
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 Republic of Ireland international arrived at the 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 the 2008/09 season on loan at Stoke City and played a key role in the Potters’ impressive 12th place finish.
Out of contract in the summer of 2009, Kelly returned to the capital and was a regular in Fulham's Europa League starting eleven during the 2009/10 season, with the defender playing his part in Fulham's remarkable 4-1 victory over Juventus at the Cottage.
During the first half of the 2010/11 season Kelly was a regular starter at right back until injury forced him out of action. His opportunities were limited during the second half of the season due to the outstanding form of Chris Baird.
Kelly has impressed at right back during his appearances for Fulham this season and was a star performer during the Club's memorable recent victories over Liverpool and Arsenal at the Cottage.
On the international stage Kelly played an integral role in the Republic of Ireland's qualification for Euro 2012 and will be looking forward to next summer's Finals in Poland and the Ukraine.
Fulham Record
| Season | League | FA Cup | Carling Cup | UEFA | Total |
| | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals |
| 2011-2012 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
| 2010-2011 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| 2009-2010 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 24 | 0 |