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Fulham transfer
Stephen Kelly |
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| DOB |
06 Sep 1983 |
| POB |
Ireland |
| Pos. |
Full back |
| Club |
Birmingham |
| Hgt |
6.00 |
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Fulham have announced their first signing of the summer with Republic of Ireland international Stephen Kelly joining the club on a three-year deal from Birmingham City.
The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke City but has now joined Roy Hodgson’s Cottagers as they prepare for Europa League football next season.
Kelly joined Birmingham in the summer of 2006 when leaving Tottenham, his first club, for a fee of just £75,000, and went on to make 79 league appearances for the club.
His loan move to Stoke at the start of February was largely unproductive though as he made only two starts under Tony Pulis.
Kelly will now be hoping for greater success at Fulham as he competes with John Paintsil and Fredrik Stoor for a place at right back.
"I am delighted that Stephen has become our first signing of the summer transfer window,” said Hodgson. “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."
Kelly added: "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."
Kelly will compete with John Pantsil for the right back role at Craven Cottage and will face a tough task to win a regular first-team slot after the Ghana international missed just one game of the west London side's Premier League campaign.