Derry sign Kelly on two-year contract

Derry City have signed Darren Kelly on a free transfer, awarding the defender a two-year contract.

The 27-year-old defender played for his hometown club, Derry, until 2002, when he moved to England with Carlisle. After a successful spell with the club, he joined Irish League side Portadown.

Having turned down a new contract offer at Shamrock Park, Kelly spurned an approach by Stockport and instead opted to return to Derry.

The defender cannot play a competitive game until the transfer window reopens on July 1.