Rob Kelly

Football manager infobox
playername= Rob Kelly


fullname = Robert Anthony Kelly
height =
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1964|12|21
cityofbirth = Birmingham
countryofbirth = England
currentclub = Preston North End
position = Assistant manager (formerly Midfielder)
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1983–1987
1984–1985
1987–1989
clubs = Leicester City
→ Tranmere Rovers (loan)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
caps(goals) = 024 0(1)
005 0(2)
016 0(3)
manageryears = 2006–2007
2007
managerclubs = Leicester City
Preston North End (caretaker)

Robert Anthony Kelly (born December 21, 1964) is an English former footballer and manager, who is currently assistant manager of Preston North End. He was previously manager of Leicester City.

Career

Playing career

Kelly began his career at Leicester City, making his debut as a 19-year-old in a home game against Sunderland at the end of the 1983/84 season. After making 18 starts for the Foxes (plus nine substitute appearances) and scoring one goal, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1986. During his spell at Wolves they achieved two successive league championship wins. As a youngster, he also received a call up to represent the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

Coaching career

In 1989, Kelly was forced to retire aged just 24 after sustaining a back injury, and initially took the job of youth team coach at Wolves. He then trained as a journalist at the Wolverhampton Express & Star, before returning to football, first back in the Wolves coaching set-up, then moving to Watford as youth team coach, Blackburn Rovers as Academy Director, and then Leicester City.

After the sacking of Leicester manager Craig Levein, following 18 months in charge, Kelly stepped up from his assistant manager role to take control on a caretaker basis.

In his first ten games in charge, his team took 21 points from a possible 30, steering the side up the Championship table and away from the threat of relegation to League One. He was awarded the Championship Manager of the Month award for March 2006. This followed wins over relegation rivals Hull City and Millwall, as well as victory against Luton Town and a creditable draw against Premiership-bound Reading. In recognition of his achievements, on 14 April 2006 he signed a one-year rolling contract, confirming his status as manager.

On 11 April 2007 Kelly was sacked due to a poor run of results, his final game being a 3-0 defeat away to Plymouth Argyle. He was replaced by Nigel Worthington until the end of the season.

In May 2007 he joined Preston North End as part of the club's coaching staff. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/6691483.stm BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Preston | Ex-Foxes boss joins Preston team ] ] On 13 November 2007 he stepped up from his position as assistant manager to become caretaker manager, after the sacking of manager Paul Simpson. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/7089492.stm Struggling Preston sack Simpson] ] However, Kelly spent just a week in the temporary position and didn't oversee any first team action, as Alan Irvine was appointed as the Club's new manager on 20 November 2007, meaning Kelly reverted to his role as assistant.

Managerial statistics

"Last updated 13 November 2007."

References

External links

* [http://www.pnefc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Management/0,,10362~1034970,00.html Official club profile]
*soccerbase (manager)|id=2023|name=Rob Kelly