Kelly: Dominic (Dom)

1935-1938 (Player Details)

Centre Half

Born: Sandbach, Cheshire: 23-06-1917

Debut: v Bolton Wanderers (a): 02-04-1938

6’1” 13st (1938)

Dominic Kelly was one of three men named Kelly, who played for Leeds in the 1930s and was a brother of John “Mick” Kelly. Noted for his excellent heading ability, Dominic was signed from Sandbach Ramblers in September 1935. He played four times for Leeds in 1937-38 but could not dislodge Tom Holley, Jock McDougall and Bob Kane in the Leeds pecking order. He was transferred to Newcastle United in November 1938 for £1,165, but only played one game before the start of World War Two. It was not until 4th February 1939 in a 0-4 home defeat by Coventry City. His career was seriously curtailed by firstly the war and then on the resumption of competitive play he sustained a career-ending ligament injury, but he enjoyed a fine career in Army football. He was a member of the Army team named the Wanderers which played thirteen matches in three weeks in what was then Palestine in the Middle East. The team contained such players as England Internationals, Tom Finney of Preston North End, Mickey Fenton of Middlesbrough and Ted Swinburne of Newcastle United, Scottish International Willie Redpath and other well-known prodessionals as Ted Duckhouse of Birmingham City, Albert Cox of Sheffield United, Dick Bell of West Ham United and Rangers Captain John Galloway. After his football career he joined the Newcastle Police Force, but left in 1957. He was also a good cricketer, playing club cricket with Benwell and the Newcastle Police. He also represented Northumberland and was a member of their 1948 Minor Counties Championship team. He died in Croyden, Surrey in late 1982.