Rochdale Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Liam Kelly.
The 25-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the club, subject to International clearance.
He arrives at the Crown Oil Arena following his departure from Feyenoord.
Kelly started his career at Reading, having joined the Royals at under-8s. After progressing through the youth ranks there, he went on to sign his first professional contract in 2013. 82 senior appearances followed before he left the Madejski Stadium to reunite with former manager Jaap Stam in Holland.
During his time at Feyenoord, he enjoyed two loans at Oxford United and played his part in helping the U’s reach the play-offs in two consecutive seasons.
He has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level.
“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” said Kelly.
“I’m really excited to be part of the project that the manager has got going on here and where he wants to take the club. The Gaffer wants to play attack minded football and excite the fans, and hopefully I can build into that.
“I first heard about this move at the start of last week. As soon as I heard about it, I spoke to the manager and then it was just about how quickly I could get it done and get up here to get playing.
“I’m someone who wants to get on the ball, who wants to help build the team up and start attacks, and hopefully I can chuck a few set-pieces in there as well and a few goals and assists.”
Manager Robbie Stockdale added: “Liam is a quality player and he’ll add something different to the midfielders that we’ve got. I’ve been very pleased with the players that we’ve brought in, in those positions, and the players that were here.
“I’ve said all along that we’re going to need strength in depth - there’s game after game and not everybody is going to be able to play the full quota. Liam comes in as a creative player and somebody who has got vast experience of playing at levels that are far higher than League Two. He’s maybe looking for a place to call home now and hopefully this will be it for him.
“Saying that, he’s only 25 so he’s still young and has lots of years to improve and hopefully his peak years are ahead of him, so I’m really pleased to get it done. I probably wasn’t expecting to be able to get a player like him with his track record and what he’s done in the game, so hopefully the fans will really enjoy watching him play.”
Welcome to the club, Liam!