Bournemouth fans on Lloyd Kelly - Well worth a read as Newcastle move edges closer
Lloyd Kelly has confirmed he's leaving Bournemouth, saying: "I appreciate the love and support that you've given me through it all and the relationships formed I'll always be grateful for. To the fans, there has been a lot of speculation around my future at the club and I've left it in the background because I still had a job to do."
He's out of contract and set to become a free agent next month. Newcastle have held talks and it seems Eddie Howe is keen to be reunited with the man he signed for the Cherries back in 2019, with The Times reporting that we hope to tie up a deal this week.
It looks likely he'll sign, so I thought it would be interesting to see what Bournemouth fans have had to say about the 25-year-old now his departure has been confirmed by the player. Here's what I found, with the overwhelming response hugely positive and complimentary, despite him rejecting the chance to stay with the South Coast club:
'Sad to see him go hopefully one day he will return back to us. Great player, will be missed big time. Another player with a cool calm collected head who never panics' - @TommaxMw
'Whoever picks up Lloyd Kelly is going to be an extremely fortunate club. We witnessed his calmness again yesterday and his ability in a 1 on 1 situation, may be the best we have ever witnessed. Thanks for everything Lloyd. All the best, until we meet again next year.' - @AyJayL
'Newcastle are getting one hell of a player in Lloyd Kelly. What a talent . Injuries have been an issue but he’ll be a tremendous asset for NUFC. Class act.' - @robwilliams_tv
'Lloyd Kelly, a fantastic AFCB servant. Talented and versatile but also solid as a rock. He will truly be missed at the club and it is a real shame for him to leave for free. Lloyd’s only worry is injuries, but hopefully, he will have a luckier season. Lloyd’s performances did not change or drop due to the situation of his contract & that is a testament to him as a person, a true professional sportsman. Kelly has all of the intangibles to be a top defender at this level & potentially play for England one day.' - @JoshWyattJ
'Lloyd Kelly can hang his head high. He gave everything for the badge and I hope whatever is next for him is successful. Will be hard to replace him this summer.' - @jbafcb77
'Best wishes to Lloyd Kelly you gave 100% right to the end which is the correct way to leave top pro . Hope your injury problems are a thing of the past and you reach your potential.' - @afcbbeachboy
'All the best to Lloyd Kelly. Put in 100% even when he knew he was off, (unlike several others the year we got relegated). That's all we ask in players, and he delivered. A top player too.' - @JoeyL14
'Kelly will be in the England squad in 2 years time, he will be a huge miss.' - @Cherries_Fans
'Honestly I’m gonna miss Kelly a lot, though his relationship with some fans may of been strained on the occasion, he was a brilliant captain and overall player who could’ve been a club legend if he stayed longer, one of the very few players i genuinely want to see succeed.' - @IraolasCherry
'Kelly, what a player. Captained us to the Premier League for the second time in our history. Took all the criticism from absolute melons when it wasn’t deserved. Kept his head down and got on with it. We’re going to miss him. What a man and all the best to him.' - @Mooresy_11
'Shame about Kelly. Undoubtedly will get a big move, will 100% be featuring for England soon. Will be impossible to replace. All the best.' - @Robmatlee
It's rare you see a fanbase have so many good things to say about a player who opted to leave instead of signing a new deal, so this is really encouraging. Huge praise, not only for his ability as a player, but also his character, professionalism and leadership as a captain.
