The night Irish eyes smiled on Alan Kelly as he etched his name into Sheffield United folklore against Coventry City
The night Irish eyes smiled on Alan Kelly as he etched his name into Sheffield United folklore against Coventry City
Whenever Alan Kelly takes a moment to wander down memory lane and reflect on his eventful footballing career, one game tends to stand out amongst the rest. March 17, 1998. Bramall Lane under lights. An FA Cup quarter-final, against Coventry City.
The day, or night, 28 years ago, when Kelly further cemented himself into the folklore of Sheffield United.
"To make a hat-trick of saves in a tense penalty shoot-out takes some beating," he remembers. "But for it to happen to a proud Irishman on St Patrick's Day takes even more beating."
This was the season United looked like they were going to implode from within. Strike duo Jan Åage Fjørtoft and Brian Deane were both sold - inexplicably, on the same day - before manager Nigel Spackman, whose talented United squad were building a reputation for playing in an attractive, front-foot manner, resigned in protest.
But, under caretaker Steve Thompson, a former United defender, the Blades went almost all the way to the FA Cup final, eventually losing 1-0 at the semi-final stage to Newcastle United at Old Trafford. They booked their place there thanks to Kelly's heroics in the penalty shootout, as he saved from Dion Dublin, David Burrows and Simon Howarth.
Wayne Quinn then stepped up to hammer United into the semi-finals from the spot and Kelly was chaired from the Lane pitch as a hero. Two fans tried to take off his boots, almost dislocating Kelly's ankles because they were tied on so tight.
"I was in the mood for a celebratory drink after the match," Kelly added, "but that idea was a non-starter. It was St Patrick's Day but all the pubs had shut so I couldn't get a pint! I ended up having a cup of tea instead and going to bed."
The night Irish eyes smiled on Alan Kelly as he etched his name into Sheffield United folklore against Coventry City
There was something about the FA Cup that seemed to bring out the best in the Republic of Ireland international, with a standout performance helping to keep United in the 1993 FA Cup semi-final against their rivals Wednesday before an eventual defeat in extra-time.
Kelly, the brother-in-law of former Blades teammate and current chief scout Jamie Hoyland, has kept a close eye on United’s fortunes since hanging up his gloves and has since taken his son back to his old stomping ground.
"I was retired by the time he was born, but it was nice to take him back to Bramall Lane," Kelly said. "Kids learn off their parents' actions, their views and passions, and he's only heard me and my wife say good things about Sheffield and Sheffield United.
"A fan was looking at me singing and was surprised that I knew the words! I still remember that feeling of walking down Cherry Street for the first time to sign, coming into the main entrance and seeing those concrete pillars. Even going back years later, I still get the buzz that I felt then to this day."