Overview
- Bristol Rovers have confirmed the two-year signing of 27-year-old centre-back Ciarán Kelly, who will join the squad for pre-season and is the club's sixth permanent summer arrival.
- Kelly is a left-sided centre-back who made 94 appearances for Bradford City after moving to England in January 2023 and was part of their 2024/25 promotion-winning squad.
- Bradford released Kelly at the end of the season and the defender had alternative options, including interest from clubs in the Scottish top flight, before choosing Rovers.
- Manager Steve Evans said Kelly is a 'commanding centre-back' who will add competition and experience to the backline, and Kelly said he is 'itching to go' and wants to help the club earn promotion.
- The signing is part of an active summer rebuild after Rovers secured League Two safety last season, and Kelly's arrival could tighten the defence and influence selection and recruitment during pre-season.