Port Vale winger Kelly completes Grimsby Town move

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Grimsby Town have completed the signing of Port Vale’s exciting young talent Sam Kelly on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old winger spent two seasons with the Valiants after joining them from Norwich City, where he began his career before moves to Everton and Cambridge failed to work out and saw him arrive back at Carrow Road.

In 2015, Kelly’s permanent move to Vale Park kick-started his blossoming career, and he went on to make 49 first-team appearances under the guidance of Rob Page, Bruno Ribeiro and finally Michael Brown.

Despite winning the club’s Goal of the Season award last season, Kelly couldn’t prevent Brown’s side from relegation to League Two, and upon signing with the Mariners, he is excited for a new experience under Russell Slade, telling the club’s website: “Russell has been a manager at some great clubs and is a big name in football.

“When I got the original call from my agent, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with him.”

Kelly scored a host of brilliant goals last season, including a smart effort against Chesterfield and a wonderful marauding run and finish against Bury, but his Goal of the Season winner was a stunner against Coventry.

The effort, thumped home from 30-yards with his left foot, highlighted Kelly’s talent, and he told Grimsby’s club website: “I’m left footed, I have speed and I want to create and make things happen.

“I want to get the ball and make things happen. I’ve scored a few goals, I can play in the number 10 role behind the striker as well and get shots off and try help the team.”