Alan Kelly Jr. was born on November 8, 1968, in Preston, England, into a family deeply rooted in the world of professional soccer. His father, Alan Kelly Sr., was a renowned goalkeeper in his own right, and his brother Gary also pursued a career as a professional goalkeeper. It was no surprise when Alan Jr. followed in their footsteps, starting his journey in the sport at a young age.
He began his amateur career playing for Preston North End's youth academy, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the game. In 1985, he made his senior debut with Preston North End's English Football League division, marking the start of what would become a successful professional career.
Alan Kelly Jr. went on to play for several notable teams throughout his career, including Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, and Stockport County. He also had stints on loan with Birmingham City and Birmingham City, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
One of the highlights of his career came in 2002 when he helped Blackburn Rovers secure a victory in the Football League Cup. His stellar performance on the field earned him recognition, including being named to the First Division PFA Team of the Year for the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons.
In addition to his club success, Alan Kelly Jr. also represented the Republic of Ireland national team, earning 34 caps during his international career. His contributions to the team did not go unnoticed, as he was named the FAI Senior International Player of the Year in 1999.
After retiring as a player, Alan Kelly Jr. transitioned into coaching, leveraging his expertise and experience to help develop the next generation of goalkeepers. He worked as a goalkeeping coach for the Soccer Academy camps in the United States, imparting his knowledge and skills to aspiring young players.
In December 2019, Alan Kelly Jr. joined Everton FC as a goalkeeper coach, further solidifying his place in the world of professional soccer. Alongside fellow coach Francis Jeffers, he supported caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson after the dismissal of the team's prior coach Marco Silva, bringing his wealth of experience to the club.
Throughout his career, Alan Kelly Jr. has demonstrated a deep passion for the sport, both on and off the field. His dedication to his craft and commitment to excellence have made him a respected figure in the soccer community, earning him a reputation as a formidable goalkeeper and coach.