He joined Southend United on trial in October 1971 whilst with Norwich, but never made a first-team appearance for the club.
[3] Kelly signed for Colchester in June 1972[4] and would go on to make a single Football League appearance for the club.
An injury to U's first-choice keeper Barry Smith allowed Kelly an opportunity into the first-team.
[7] He would only play once more for Colchester in an FA Cup first round 6–0 win against Bognor Regis Town on 18 November.
[9] His first and only teaching job was at St John Payne Catholic Comprehensive School in Chelmsford.