We are overwhelmingly delighted to confirm that Shay Kelly will remain in goal for the Sons next season after agreeing a permanent deal with the club.
Shay joins up with the squad for pre-season training after agreeing a one year deal with the option for a second at the Rock.
A St Mirren academy graduate, Shay made his professional debut for the Buddies Under 20’s side in the SPFL Trust Trophy against Albion Rovers 2023 at just 16 and was on the bench for the Paisley side’s UEFA Conference League Qualifiers last season before joining up with the Sons on loan in February during a goalkeeper injury crisis.
Shay featured in five matches towards the end of last season for Stevie Farrell’s side, saving an incredible three penalties and will be a vital part of the side heading into the new campaign.
Upon signing permanently Shay spoke about his excitement for the upcoming season.
“I’m buzzing. I’m just happy it’s done now. I’m looking forward to getting a full season under my belt as a number one at a very good level.
“Obviously, I came for the last run here, got a wee taste of it and I absolutely loved it. I’m just determined to get in now, show everybody what I can do and make an impact”
Shay had offers to join squads at a higher level, but the attraction of regular first-team football convinced him Dumbarton was the right place for him to be.
He said: “That was the main attraction, on top of how good the manager is, how well he works and how much I’ve enjoyed my time here with him, Frank and Eric.
“I probably could have held off a bit longer and got full-time offer but when you’ve got somebody wanting you, you just want to go and play.
“At my age especially, I see a lot of keepers holding off and not backing themselves. But I completely back myself and I just want to go and show everybody that I’m more than good enough to play.”
With Brett Long still involved with the squad this season but remaining sidelined under later in the year Shay knows he has his chance to stake his claim as first choice keeper at the Rock but understands the challenge and was quick to ensure there will be no feud between the stoppers.
He said:” Brett’s a brilliant goalie. I seen a lot of Brett before he was injured and I’m excited to work with him.
“Obviously there’ll be no bad blood at all. If Brett is playing, I’ll be buzzing for him and if I’m playing, I’m sure Brett will feel the same.”
And on that penalty record Shay spoke about the research that goes on behind the scenes.
He said: “I don’t know how it happened to be fair! I’ll look on YouTube, do my research, see who’s been taking them and where they put it and just try and prepare myself best for every scenario but I always back myself.”
Manager Stevie Farrell also commented on the deal to bring Shay back to the club and the need for competition between the sticks.
He said: “Brett’s obviously still injured and not forecast to be back until the end of the year, so we needed to bring goalies in, and Shay is one of them, we’re looking to bring another keeper in on loan soon to add competition too.
“Shay was excellent for us at the end of last season and managed to become a fans favourite without playing too many games.
“He is still a young kid, and he’s going to have difficult spells, we’re not naive enough to think he won’t have hard times, but he certainly fits the profile for the way we want to play; he’s a top keeper but he’s also good with the ball at his feet, his distribution is good, he comes and takes crosses and he fits in well with the group.”
After last seasons issues in goal, the gaffer said he was looking forward to having a settled group of keepers.
He said: “If I can work with two or three goalies rather than six or seven then we’ll do very well and have continuity at the back.”