Dean Kiely

Dean Kiely

Manchester born Kiely, got his start in the professional game after being picked up by West Bromwich Albions’ youth system, before being picked up by Coventry in 1987, signing professional terms as a 17 year old. Unable to break into the first team at Highfield Road, he moved to both Ipswich Town and York City on loan, but failed to make a first team appearance. Having seen enough on the training ground, York decided to sign him permanently in 1990, he became a sensation for the Minstermen, making 210 appearances including a memorable performance against the juggernaut of Manchester United, where York progressed in the League Cup after a 3-0 victory. After York, Kiely moved to Bury, where he made over a century of appearances at Gigg Lane, before a big money move to Charlton in 1999. Kiely was well worth the £1 million fee, becoming a firm fan favourite, being a crucial part of a Charlton team that made it to the top flight, and achieved the highest finish in club history since the 1950s. Having made many great memories at the Valley and notching over 200 appearances, Kiely departed for the South Coast and Portsmouth playing a crucial role in their escape from relegation, before the signing of David James, which pushed him down the pecking order, leaving Kiely looking for first team opportunities elsewhere. 

Kiely moved to Luton Town on a one month loan deal to cover for the injured Marlon Beresford, making his debut for the Hatters away against Southampton in a 2-1 loss. With the Hatters going into a tail spin in form, and turmoil off the pitch at the club, Kiely provided a calming presence, resulting in a slight uptick in form during his 11 appearances for Luton Town. However, due to the financial situation, signing Kiely permanently was not an option, and he opted to join West Brom permanently,  going full circle, back to where his career had started over 20 years prior. He would eventually hang up his gloves at West Brom in 2011, bringing an end to a career where he made over 700 appearances as well as having represented Ireland at full international level, after playing at almost every age group in the England youth system. 

He remained at West Brom as a coach following his retirement, before joining Norwich in 2015, then Preston North End in 2017 and moving to Crystal Palace in 2018, continuing his journey as a coach.