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Note: There has been more than one player to play for Celtic with the same name, so please check the other namesakes if need be.
Personal
Fullname: John Kelly
Born: 4 May 1902
Died: […]
Birthplace: Wishaw
Signed: 24 August 1929 (from Nithsdale Wanderers)
Left: Carlisle Utd (to May 1930)
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Celtic 4-0 Hibernian, League, 2 Nov 1929
Internationals: none
Biog
Wishaw-born goalkeeper John Kelly signed for Celtic in August 1929 from Nithsdale Wanderers and made his competitive debut in a 4-0 league victory over Hibernian at Celtic Park on November 2nd.
He’d done enough in pre-season trial games in 1929 to win his place at Celtic: “gave a good account of himself“.
He’d won his place after Johnny Thomson’s spate of injuries incurred v Airdrie in February 1930. The opening gave John Kelly his chance and he did a very fine job going by his record.
His greatest moment was v Hibs on 8 March 1930, when Peter Wilson got himself sent off over a penalty decision having protested too much. John Kelly made up for that with a save to stop the penalty, and Celtic went on to win 2-0.
He stayed at Celtic for just this season as understudy to the great Johnny Thomson, making 10 league and Scottish Cup appearances – keeping six clean sheets. A great record, with the bulk of the games coming in a run in the later half of season 1929-30.
Despite the fine form which showed he was a dependable keeper, John Kelly moved on to Carlisle in May 1930 in search of regular first team football. He travelled heavily in his football career, and played for many different teams all over the UK. Whilst at Carlisle he even met and befriended a young player from Glenbuck Cherrypickers who would go on to make a name for himself: Bob Shankly.
He was apparently tough enough to box, and sparred with boxer Tommy Milligan (a world middleweight title challenger).
He is believed to have wrapped up his playing time at Motherwell in 1933.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1929-30 | 9 | 1 | – | – | 10 |
| Shut-outs | 6 | 0 | – | – | 6 (60%) |
Honours with Celtic
none