📝 Match report: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Bristol City
Posted: Tuesday, July 27th 2021
Author
Kelly departs for the Premier League
Saturday, May 18th 2019
Bristol City would like to thank Lloyd Kelly and wish him well for the future as he joins Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth for a club record transfer fee.
The 20-year-old passed a medical with the south coast side earlier today and has agreed terms on a long-term contract.
Albeit saddened to see the Academy product depart, Kelly is supported in his decision and the club is excited to watch him compete in the top tier of English football next season.
Head Coach Lee Johnson said: “Lloyd has been a pleasure to work with. I’ve very much enjoyed watching his journey from the Academy to the first team, to playing for England Under-21s, training with England’s first team and now his Premier League move.
“We wish him all the very best at Bournemouth and he will always be welcome back at Ashton Gate. I hope to stay in touch – best of luck Lloyd.”
Chief Executive Officer Mark Ashton commented: “We are immensely proud that Lloyd has come through our system and whilst it’s always sad to see an Academy graduate leave the football club, this is an offer we felt we couldn’t refuse.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Lloyd and we wish him all the best moving forward.”
Kelly joined the Academy aged 12, having been recruited locally playing for Bristol Central.
His first notable involvement with the first team squad arrived in 2014 when he travelled to Botswana with Bristol City Community Trust as part of the club’s pre-season training camp.
As he continued to work his way through the age groups and patiently wait for his senior debut, Kelly was included in the travelling party for City’s pre-season visit to Portugal in 2015/16, but it would be another two seasons before his breakthrough.
However, since making his first team bow in the 2017/18 Carabao Cup first round victory over Plymouth Argyle - the same season he was named the Senior Reds’ Young Player of the Year - the left-back hasn’t looked back.
Kelly’s first goal for the club arrived in front of the South Stand on his fourth appearance, helping secure a Boxing Day victory over Reading. He then went on to make a further 10 appearances in his debut campaign.
And away from the pitch, Kelly has endorsed his role model status by acknowledging the communities importance and supporting the work of the Community Trust, Academy projects and other local charities.
With a further 34 appearances under his belt in the 2018/19 season, the England Under-21 international played a significant role in helping the club achieve its highest league finish for 11 years.
A fan favourite and one of our own, Kelly has made a total of 48 appearances in City colours, netting twice, and has impeccably demonstrated the effectiveness and importance of the club’s Academy pathway.
Everyone connected with the club wishes him well and he will always be welcome back to Ashton Gate.
Also from Bristol Sport
Farewell to departing players
Bristol Bears Women can confirm the departure of seven players this summer.
Posted: Tuesday, July 27th 2021 • Rugby
Sinckler set for second Springboks Test
Kyle Sinckler has retained his place in the British & Irish Lions squad for the second Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
Posted: Tuesday, July 27th 2021 • Rugby
Bristol Sport Appoints Ben Latty As Group Commercial Director
Bristol Sport is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Latty as Group Commercial Director.
Posted: Tuesday, July 27th 2021 • Football
Gallery: pool recovery at The Downs School
Bristol Bears continued their pre-season campaign with a pool recovery session at The Downs School, Wraxall.
Posted: Monday, July 26th 2021 • Rugby
Sinckler's Lions storm to first Test victory
Luke Cowan-Dickie’s try and Dan Biggar’s boot helped The British & Irish Lions stage a stunning second-half comeback to beat the Springboks in the first Test.
Posted: Monday, July 26th 2021 • Rugby