‘Difficult’ - Newcastle United summer signing brutally honest on post-transfer struggles

Like Matt Ritchie, Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson, Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall before him, the 26-year-old made the 360-mile trip from Bournemouth to St James’ Park. It was Howe who took Kelly to the south coast in 2019 and the two reunited earlier this year.

However, the versatile defender has seen little game time in 2024-25, with just three Premier League starts. But he completed his first 90 minutes for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday.

Kelly received plaudits post-match, with some calling for him to start against Arsenal tomorrow. Howe has left the defender off his top-flight team sheet since the 3-1 defeat to Fulham in September.

Watch Geordie Journos on Shots! Have Newcastle United become predictable?

Discussing his struggles, Kelly conceded life on Tyneside has been “difficult” to adjust to. However, he also suggested this has not been due to the lack of effort from his new teammates. 

"I'd say for myself, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a bit up and down," Kelly said about his start at Newcastle. "Coming into a new club, you want to get settled as quickly as you can. I think I'm finally starting to feel a bit more settled. 

“Adjusting to how the gaffer wants to play and the teammates and things of course takes a bit of time. I think I'm finally starting to find my feet. It can be different and difficult to move but there are loads of people here who gave me a helping hand.

“The squad made me feel welcome. Of course, it's going to be different, changing location and teammates, but everyone has helped me settle."