Soccer: Kelly plans testimonial fundraiser

Gary Kelly today announced plans for a €815,000 testimonial fundraiser in aid of two cancer charities.

After more than 10 years’ service with Leeds, Kelly has decided all proceeds from a benefit match with Celtic at Elland Road on May 7, will be put to good use.

Kelly lost his sister Mandy to breast cancer four years ago, so the beneficiaries of what is hoped will be a considerable six-figure sum are to be the Drogheda Cancer Support Centre and Teenage Cancer Support in Leeds.

In revealing his plans today, it is particularly poignant for exactly two years ago Leeds fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight were murdered in Istanbul on the eve of the club’s UEFA Cup semi-final with Galatasaray.

On that occasion football was put into perspective, with Kelly today doing the same after what has been a miserable campaign for Leeds, one which could yet end with the embarrassment of Intertoto Cup football.

Kelly, with 339 appearances with Leeds to his credit since joining the club from Home Farm in 1991, said: ‘‘It’s a nice tribute to my sister.

‘‘I think everyone knows I lost her to cancer, and I think everyone knows someone, either in their family, friends, or friends of friends that have this horrible disease we can’t get rid of.

‘‘It would be nice if we could find a cure for it, so I’m looking to make a good night of it, get a few bob and hopefully the proceeds will help along the way.

‘‘But after what we’ve been through here at Leeds this season, and when you look at the people who die of this disease, it puts things into perspective and makes you realise football is only a job.

‘‘Obviously, if we can finish the season well and get into the Champions League or Europe, then that would be great. But to do something like this for a worthwhile cause is just fantastic.’’

Leeds right-back Kelly is following in the footsteps of Ireland team-mate Niall Quinn who is hoping to raise €1.6m for children’s charities from his benefit match on May 13 at the Stadium of Light.

Kelly would like to see other players follow the example set by himself and Quinn, although feels tesimonials are becoming a thing of the past as footballers are never at one club long enough.

‘‘When Quinny announced the details of his testimonial, I was always intending to push ahead with mine. It was in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it,’’ added the 27-year-old.

‘‘It’s brilliant that anybody who is getting free money from a testimonial should then give it away, so I’d like to hope what Niall and I are doing will spur other players on to do the same.

‘‘But in this day and age, the way money is being thrown at players to go here and there, not many players have testimonials any more. I think they could be coming to an end.’’

Kelly has been linked with a move to either Celtic or Sunderland this summer and as he finds himself behind Danny Mills in competition for the right-back role, he may yet be tempted to leave Leeds.

Earlier this season Kelly expressed his disappointment at the lack of first-team chances which were damaging his hopes of going to the World Cup, prompting a threat to quit if the situation did not improve.

Kelly, though, appears intent to see out the remaining four years of his contract as he said: ‘‘Leeds is my home from home, and every day is a highlight at this club.

‘‘I’m only 27 and I’ve another four years left on my current contract, so there’s plenty of service left in me with both Leeds and Ireland.’’