Kelly wants to play on

SOME Millers players might be thankful summer is here – but not Stephen Kelly.

The experienced defender admits he doesn't want the season to end after playing himself into form and fitness.

The 32-year-old had been without a club since leaving Reading last summer when Neil Redfearn got in touch with him in November and handed him a short term contract.

Kelly had a good start, winning both his first two matches against Leeds and Bristol City before he was struck down by a couple of injuries, one as a result of an unfortunate training ground accident with team-mate Aimen Belaid.

A vastly experienced operator, Kelly put the problems behind him and by the time he was back to full fitness, he was ready to join the Neil Warnock juggernaut.

“When I came here at first it seemed like I was jinxed, it was just crazy,” Kelly told the Advertiser. “I broke my hand and then big Aimen, poor lad, fell on me in training and I did my knee. It was just one of those freaky things.

“It was frustrating for me coming to a club and getting injured, I have not been injured my whole career really. I felt like I was almost letting the team down and Neil (Redfearn) as well because he had signed me but there's nothing you can do, these things happen in football. I pushed myself and got myself back fit quickly and I've felt very good.

“I don't want the season to end, to be honest, I would rather keep going, but for me it's been good to play and hopefully turn a few heads and make people take notice again."