Ashville FC confirm signing of midfielder Joel Kelly

The 20-year-old central midfielder joins Ashville from West Kirby having previously spent time at Airbus UK, whom he joined at just 16-years-old.

Described by the club as an "exciting prospect" who has also represented Wirral Schoolboys, he has impressed his new manager in pre-season.

Steven Scott said: “Joel Kelly is a local lad and he’s a big talent. He’s really impressed me during pre-season so far and he fits the profile of player I really like”.

Based a couple of miles from Ray Parker Stadium in Moreton, Kelly is no stranger to his new team mates. The young midfielder described how he
come to join Ashville, a move which has been months in the making.

He said: “I used to play with a couple of the lads and they asked me to come down to pre-season. Then Gary Jones (former Ashville manager) also asked me to come for pre-season. Thankfully the lads kept putting a good word in about me and then Ste text me one day and he also asked me to come down and here we are today. I’m very happy I took everyone up on the offer”.

The former West Kirby midfielder has trained with the squad over the last couple of weeks and has nothing but glowing compliments for his new club and teammates.

He said: “Pre-season has been very good. The lads have been very welcoming and have shown in training just how much of a good club Ashville is. We have a very hardworking and talented squad and I can’t wait to get going”. 

As a proud Evertonian, it will come as no surprise that his personal career highlight to date was playing for Wirral Schoolboys at his beloved Goodison Park but now his focus remains firmly on his progress at Ray Parker Stadium as Kelly hopes to play a vital part in Ashville’s promotion aspirations.

He added: “I will wear my heart on my sleeve every game and give my all for this club.

"I look forward to meeting the Villa faithful and to being successful with this wonderful club. I just can’t wait to get going and get playing for Ashville. Up The Villa!”