FORMER Portsmouth winger Mark Kelly has been announced as AFC Portchester’s new commercial director.
Born in Basingstoke, Kelly played over 50 games for Pompey from 1987 until 1993.
After being forced into retirement at 23 years-old, Kelly has ventured into various other roles in football, previously working as head of youth development and academy manager at Pompey.
The former Republic of Ireland also international joined BBC Radio Solent at the start of the 2011/12 season as their match summariser for Pompey matches.
Speaking at the club this morning, Kelly said: “It’s a really exciting time for the football club. The growth has been pretty big over the last few seasons. I’m looking forward to getting in and helping the club grow and move forward.”
His new role at the club will involve supporting all commercial and sponsorship activities, as they look to climb out of the Isthmian League South Central Division.
Portchester chairman Paul Kelly, said: “we always like to be one step ahead, our facilities are improving by the season, and Mark is another great addition to that.
“We’ve got some great people involved at the club already that are established at this level and, with Mark, we are hoping he can bring more sponsorship and wider opportunity. We want him to embrace the club and bring with him the experience he’s got.”
“Clubs in the step above us will be looking at us thinking, ‘they mean business!’”
The club currently sit sixth in the league, one point away from playoff positions.
“We’re really pleased with how things are going, but we will keep looking at it one game at a time, but I’m hoping deep down we can be in those playoff positions come the end of the season!”
Portchester have two games in hand on fifth place Hayes and Yeading, who they can leapfrog tomorrow by beating South Park Reigate.
