‘I want to keep pushing and this is a huge moment for me’ – Kelly

Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly says it is “amazing” to look back on his footballing journey, but he wants to “keep pushing” to achieve more.

The 25-year-old joined the Magpies on a free transfer in June after his contract with Bournemouth came to an end.

He played 23 times in the Premier League for the Cherries last season and is reuniting with his former coach Eddie Howe, who took him to the south coast from Bristol City for £13m in 2019.

Kelly has previously spoken of his childhood growing up in foster care and this latest move has given him a chance to reflect on his football journey so far.

Speaking at Newcastle’s pre-season training camp, Kelly said: “You don’t always have time to sit back and think about where you have come from, what you have done in the past and your journey you have been on.

“The football industry is so fast paced, so when I look back to where I started and where I am now, it is amazing.

“A lot of hard work has been put into making that happen. I want to keep pushing and this is a huge moment for me – but at the same time I want more, to achieve more.”

It was while in the foster system that the England Under-21 international began his football journey in the Bristol City academy and he feels his time in care has helped him be adaptable.

“It’s something I’ve been through my whole life – being put in different situations and being able to adapt to them and make the best out of each one,” he added.

“So moving from Bristol to Bournemouth and now up north is never really something that has affected my decision making. It is just something I am used to.”