Gary Kelly

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Gary Oliver Kelly (born 9 July 1974) played his entire professional career with Leeds United. He played as a right back or a right midfielder from 1992 until 2007.

Kelly made his debut for Leeds in the 1991–92 season but only played two games. He become a regular in the side in the 1993–94 season, when Wilkinson made him his first choice right-back following the injury-induced retirement of Mel Sterland, occasionally filing in at centre back when needed. His immediate success lead to his selection in the Premier League team of the season.

So consistent were his performances for Leeds over the following number of seasons, Kelly was installed by George Graham as his skipper in the 1997–98 season, at the age of 23.

Kelly was more or less a regular either at right back or right midfield in every subsequent season he played for Leeds, except for 1998–99, when shin splints ruined his season. Kelly forced his way back into the Leeds first team, making the right back role his own, despite the signing of Danny Mills in the summer of 1999. And once again he took over as skipper when Lucas Radebe was on international duty.

Kelly is only the 10th player to ever make over 500 appearances for Leeds United. He made 531 appearances in total for Leeds, being the only player at Leeds to make more than 500 appearances from outside the stewardship of Don Revie.

Gary Kelly is number 24 in Leeds United's 100 greatest players.