Kelly, 27, broke into the’Gers first team during the 2012/13 and was an integral part of the squad for four years; making 137 appearances and scoring 21 goals in his first spell as well as winning the Steel & Sons Cup, Intermediate Cup and Championship One title during the 2014/15 season.
The Carrickfergus native then joined Glentoran ahead of the 2017/18 campaign and made 35 appearances, scoring twice for the east Belfast side before he re-joined Rangers at the start of the 2018/19 Bluefin Sport Championship season.
Under Niall Currie, Kelly has assumed a vital defensive midfield role which helped his side earn play-off promotion last season as well as climb the table this campaign, with the ‘Gers currently sitting in eighth.
Currently sitting on a total of 190 appearances and 37 goals, Kelly will continue to be a vital piece of Niall Currie’s puzzle in the coming two-and-a-half years.
Over the moon to confirm Kelly’s contract extension, Niall Currie said,
“We are delighted that Daniel has committed himself to a two year extension. Since returning to the Club he has been a colossus in the middle of the park for us and does not get the credit he deserves, but inside our changing room his value is greatly recognised. Daniel is a Carrick man who leads from the front; we are trying to build something special at Carrick Rangers and Daniel’s extension is a statement of intent from our Club which is exactly what I want.”
Equally pleased to commit his future to the Club, Daniel Kelly commented,
“I am delighted to sign a two year contract extension; for me, it was a no brainer as I am enjoying my football now more than ever and being from Carrick I feel a sense of pride every time I pull the shirt on.
The Club is continuing to build and so to be a part of that process is exciting. Credit has to be given to both the management team and Chairman on their ability to attract and retain talented players who buy into what the Club is trying to do. Let’s hope that in the next two years we can continue the progress we have been making, establish ourselves as a permanent Premiership team and get as far up the table as possible!”
Great to have you on this journey with us, Dan! #AmberArmy
