Certainly’ – Lloyd Kelly fitness update ahead of AFC Bournemouth vs Newcastle United
Kelly makes a swift return to the South Coast having officially joined the Magpies on a free transfer at the start of last month. The 25-year-old made 141 appearances for the Cherries and was captain when they were promoted from the Championship two years ago.
After running down his contract, Kelly attracted interest from a number of clubs but quickly made the decision to reunite with Eddie Howe, the manager who signed him for Bournemouth in 2019 for £13million.
The former Bristol City defender spent the opening weeks getting to grips with the physical output Howe demands. He sat out of friendlies against SpVgg Unterhaching, Hull City and Urawa Red Diamonds before making his debut, a first-half cameo versus Yokohama F. Marinos at the Japan National Stadium. Kelly then featured in the second of United’s two Sela weekender matches, playing a full match at centre-back against Girona.