Old boy plotting Toon downfall.
Posted on March 27th, 2010 | 97 Comments |
Kelly was an integral part of the last Newcastle side that won promotion back in 1993 and ended that season as the clubs top scorer with 25 goals to his name, not to mention the season before when he traded in the surroundings of Filbert Street and Leicester City for the bright lights of Newcastle, a club that were embroiled deep in a relegation battle to stay in the division. He scored 10 goals in the remainder of his first season with us and helped the club avoid a drop into the 3rd tier of English football. A very undervalued player nowadays as people look back at players like Beardsley, Cole, Lee, and with good reason, but his 1 goal every 2 appearances should not be forgotten. Without them who knows where we would be?
Despite still maintaining a strong connection with the Newcastle, Kelly insists that in his role at Nottingham Forest no quarter will be given. Looking on the outside it is easy to suggest that this fixture should be a home banker, Newcastle are unbeaten at home all season whereas in comparison Forest have not managed an away win since the start of January. Kelly believes the home banker tag that has been mooted could be premature though, and that his side have other ideas:
“The statement that we haven’t done well away from home is a myth,” Kelly insisted, “Albeit over the last few weeks we haven’t got the results we’ve deserved, the performances haven’t been so bad. Results haven’t been what we’ve wanted over the last couple of months but before then our home form was a match for anybody in the division.”
Obviously in his job at Nottingham Forest he has to come out with thses type of lines although it is crystal clear from the outside that results have dropped off. Granted, they are still winning games at home but gone are the times where teams are being swept aside by a young and attacking Forest to be replaced with nervy wins and unconvincing performances. David still believes an upset maybe on the cards though as he went on to say:
“Of course it will be a difficult game – Newcastle have a Premier League squad playing in the Championship while we are a very young side being brought together.”
“But we are talented and they’ve enjoyed their football and enjoyed going to the big stadiums this year.”
And he still maintains that his side have a chance of automatic promotion:
“As long as we’re still hanging on to Newcastle and West Brom’s coat tails we will keep fighting.”
Regardless of all his drum banging for the opposition, Kelly is not unlike a lot of former players and still has great affection for the North East. In fact he lists being applauded onto the pitch at St James’ Park whilst turning out for rivals Sunderland as one of his proudest moments.
“I love going back to Newcastle and although I will be doing everything in my power to help Nottingham Forest to win, there is a huge affection there,” he stated.
“My first child was born in Newcastle and it is a fantastic club and a fantastic city. I have nothing but respect for the supporters and the people at the football club.”
Thanks for the goals David, but I certainly wont be wishing any happy returns. Not until after the game anyway!
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
A proper legend, being 27 my first hero was micky quinn, but Kelly is certainly up there with some of my favourite players. Good luck in the play-offs David :lol: