I have a system for deciding which players to feature on this bit of my blog. I pick games that stand out for me and one that stands out as an almighty low was our 6-0 home thumping by Rotherham under Steve Tilson. I looked down the players who featured that night, and after being revolted by the thought of looking at Pat Kanyucka I chose to focus on Julian.
On paper he looked a good prospect. He’d been with Arsenal up until he was 16, then switched over to Reading to turn pro before dropping down to Wycombe Wanderers on loan. He had a reputation as a quick and lively full back who could play on the wing. He joined us on loan (as most f the football leagues rejects did under Tilson) In January 2011. His debut saw us lose to his old club Wycombe.
His next five games saw the Imps take maximum points and steer themselves away from the threat of relegation. Five wins in five was unheard of in that awful season and Kelly looked every part the rampaging full back we needed. However a 5-1 home defeat by Shrewsbury halted that run of form, and from there on we looked a ragged side. Kelly’s last home game for City was another drubbing, 4-0 by Gillingham. He featured in a surprise away point at Gresty Road before leaving the club.
He turned up next at Notts County and had reasonable success there scoring 4 times in over 50 appearances. However at the end of the 2013 season his contract wasn’t renewed and he drifted into non league football despite a trial at Grimsby.
He was last seen turning out for Grantham Town, and despite being a decent player with over twenty Imps appearances for me he will always be remembered as part of the worst defence I’ve ever seen at Sincil Bank. 6-0. At home.
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