A selection of Leeds fans have been looking back and reflecting on the career of former Whites defender Gary Kelly.
Kelly proved to be a great servant for the club over his many years of service in West Yorkshire, having emerged from the United academy in the early 1990s as a promising forward option, but proved to be a natural at right-back under the stewardship of Howard Wilkinson.
Altogether, he made more than 470 appearances with us across all competitions, with outings in the Premier League, Champions League, and UEFA Cup during a 16-year playing career.
His name was almost assured to be on every team sheet during his playing days, and his presence on the field was virtually taken for granted, as he rarely missed a second right up until his career began to wind down.
The Drogheda, Ireland-born legend would also represent the Green Army on the international stage 51 times following his debut in March, 1994, with games to his name in the 1994 and 2002 World Cups, where he helped his country to points against Norway, Cameroon, and Germany, as well as a win against Saudi Arabia.
His United debut came two-and-a-half years before his breakout senior international bow, as he took to the field against Scunthorpe as a bright-eyed 17-year-old in October 1991, two seasons before he would become our first-choice right-back.
Here’s what these Leeds fans have shared on social media as they reflected on Kelly’s Whites career…
I was at that game! Seems a long time ago…
— MarkJ (@blackpoolwhite) August 14, 2019
Didn’t he come on in his usual forward position at that time? Sergeant Wilko converted him to right full back in time for the 1993-94 season.
— HungryDuck ???????????????????????????????????????????? (@LUFCPATRIOT69) August 14, 2019
Didn’t he argue with McAllister over taking a penalty in this game also?
— George28265 (@george28265) August 14, 2019
#Legend had holes drilled in his shins to keep playing for @LUFC donated his testimonial money to cancer services in Ireland.
— Hound of Ulster (@JimA1964) August 14, 2019
Played centre forward too… madness
— Stevie Dewar (@SJDewar1990) August 14, 2019
What a player what a guy !! I here his nephew could play a bit too ????????⚽️
— Andrew McClean (@Andymcclean3) August 14, 2019
Saw him outside the ground on Saturday, he still looks like he does in that picture!
— Jonathanlufc (@Jonatha23848594) August 14, 2019
I seem to recall one of his early games was at Anfield and he seemed a natural at full back-which of course he proved to be!
— MarkJ (@blackpoolwhite) August 14, 2019